An Introduction to Chiropractic
An Introduction to Chiropractic
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a holistic and alternative treatment that uses the hands to manipulate the body. Chiropractors don’t use drugs or surgery. It is one of the most widely used forms of manual medicine.
Chiropractic focuses on adjusting the subluxations of the spine to alleviate discomfort and misalignment. Adjusting the spine to be back in proper alignment also allows the nervous system to function at its most efficient and powerful state.
Chiropractic care can also use spinal manipulation as a means of relieving pain; pain in the lower back, sciatica, neck pain, migraines or tension headaches, or pain in the knees, shoulders or elbows.
Why should you get chiropractic adjustments?
A vertebra can get knocked out of place with something as simple as a slip or fall. Once a vertebra is misaligned, the entire body can start spiraling downhill. If your nerves are pinched, communication from the nerves to the brain is cut short. A good comparison to this is a kink in a water hose – the water may still flow – but not easily and not at its best and most efficient flow.
A misaligned spine can lead to poor posture, joint swelling, joint, and muscle pain and even osteoporosis. Chiropractic adjustments have been known to decrease colic symptoms and ear infections, especially in children. Studies have shown that one chiropractic adjustment had the same effect as two blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Athletes for many years have used chiropractic care as a simple means of enhancing functionality in your everyday life, including boosting the immune system, enhancing pulmonary function, decreasing stress, relieves muscle tension, and naturally increase energy levels.
What to expect at a visit to the chiropractor?
First, you would have an initial discussion with your chiropractor and any necessary physical exams. At your first visit for an adjustment, you would typically lie or sit on a table that can be changed into various positions, allowing the chiropractor to adjust different parts of your body.
A common method used is called the “dynamic thrust”, a low high speed, and high force movement used to adjust or realign the vertebrae. With this method, you will most likely hear or feel cracks or pops, totally normal, but sometimes can cause a tingly feeling or even anxiety, which follows with relief!
There are many other methods as well, low force techniques such as the activator method that uses a handheld device with a tension spring to adjust the vertebrae.
Chiropractic Fun Facts
- The word “chiropractor” is a Greek word meeting “done by hand”
- The first chiropractic adjustment was given in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, who is known as the father of Chiropractic, who helped a janitor regain his hearing after a back accident 17 years prior.
- Many insurances include chiropractic care in healthcare plans, and not just for accidents or doctor referrals, but for wellness exams too!
- Doctors of Chiropractic must complete four years of doctoral graduate school in order to qualify for chiropractic exams.
- An estimated 35 million Americans are treated by chiropractors each year.
- Chiropractic is recognized and regulated by law in over 40 countries and licensed DCs can be found in all 50 States
- Each day, over 1 million adjustments take place across the globe.
