Even though spinal adjustments and manual manipulations do dominate the landscape of a chiropractor, this approach has been successful in dealing with arthritis, headaches, constipation, asthma, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, sciatica, ear infections and high blood pressure. Chiropractic care has prevented some invasive surgeries and has helped with childbirth.
The science of chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. Palmer performed a chiropractic adjustment on a gentleman who was deaf in one ear and his hearing was restored. The word spread quickly about a new method of healing based on the nerves in the spine. Chiropractic science is based on the nervous system. It is an art, a science and a philosophy. The fundamental belief is that misalignments in the spine result in both pain and manifestations of health-related negative symptoms. Our body is one massive electrical system that communicates with neurotransmitters, chemicals, hormones and other messengers. Spinal realignments can make these elements easier to communicate to each other.
The art of chiropractic science starts with the doctor knowing the 55 established techniques in applying adjustments and treatment. Then there are specialties from there such as exercise medicine, pediatrics, functional neurology and wellness care. The beauty of the chiropractic approach is that it is drug-free. Years of studying and training is necessary to be a licensed and practicing chiropractic doctor. The foundation is anatomy and physiology, radiology, stress management, understanding nutrition and finally a holistic health approach to treatments. This requires four years of school in which extensive hands-on training is provided in learning the proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatments.
How does the spine actually become misaligned? Any kind of physical trauma like falling is an easy starting point. Taut and tight muscles can create spinal issues as can an unhealthy diet. Poor eating habits and bad diet choices can cause an inflammation that isn’t visible to the eye. Stress is a frequent contributor as is degeneration of the spine with aging. The discs in the spine will show wear and tear with time and become thinner also. With that having been said, you do not have to be aging for a chiropractic adjustment. Children, with much lighter manual pressure, can benefit from a chiropractic treatment. In fact, a well-adjusted child can fight off sickness better as well as being less susceptible to injuries.
A common patient for a chiropractic doctor is a professional athlete. They have proven that they have improvements in their athletic performance. This is from an increased range of motion and a heightened awareness of how their body moves. The latter, called proprioception, actually decreases injuries. Often times the immune system is improved with chiropractic adjustments increasing respiratory function. This art and philosophy of chiropractic science has been classified as an alternative medicine. The manual adjustments of the spine, joints and soft tissues may also include valuable and needed counseling on exercises, overall health and lifestyle choices. Back and neck pain are the leading candidates for chiropractic therapy with the highest level of quantifiable success.
