The word chiropractic comes from Greek words meaning "treatment by hand", which is exactly what chiropractors do - they use their hands to manipulate the body and promote healing and wellness.
The chiropractic philosophy is as follows:
- All bodily functions are connected and therefore the methods employed to promote healing should be in alignment with this principle. Chiropractors therefore focus on restoring normal architecture of the body and look to add only what is deficient. Chiropractors do not promote the use of drugs, which often only suppress symptoms.
- The spinal cord carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all bodily functions including voluntary movements (such as walking) and involuntary functions (such as breathing). When the systems of the body are in balance, it is called homeostasis. Disorders of the bones, muscles, and nerves (especially of the spine) can disrupt homeostasis and increase the risk of disease and other health problems.
- When body systems are in harmony, the human body has remarkable abilities to maintain health and heal itself.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors are health professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use traditional diagnostic testing methods (such as x-rays, MRI, and lab work) along with specific chiropractic techniques that involve hands-on manipulation of the articulations of the body. Chiropractors also offer nutrition and healthy lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors do not perform surgery, however, many chiropractors work closely with medical doctors and will refer a patient when surgery is indicated.
Chiropractors believe one of the main causes of pain and disease is the misalignment of the vertebrae in the spinal column (this is called a chiropractic subluxation). Through the use of manual detection (or palpation), carefully applied pressure, massage, and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints (called adjustments), chiropractors are able to relieve pressure and irritation on the nerves, restore joint mobility, and help return the body's homeostasis.
Some chiropractors dedicate their practices solely to locating and removing subluxations. However, most chiropractors (including myself), also offer other treatment modalities such as the following:
- Physiotherapy
- Herbal therapy
- Heat/cold therapy
- Ultrasound
- Electric muscle stimulation
- Manipulation under anesthesia
- Traction
- Massage
- Exercise programs and instruction
- Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
- Physical rehabilitation
In Summary
Chiropractic has come a long way since it's beginnings. Today there are over 50,000 licensed chiropractors practicing in the