Chiropractic doctors specialize in correcting biomechanical disorders of the spinal column through manual therapy. This manual therapy is a drugless, non-invasive, natural form of health care that utilizes the body’s innate or natural ability to heal itself.
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How Does Chiropractic Therapy Work?
We look at the whole body, from above down and from the inside out. Like other healthcare providers, we gather important information about the patient through a standard routine. This routine includes:
- Review of the patient’s case history
- Consultation
- Physical examination
- In many cases, laboratory tests or x-rays
Most healthcare providers focus on the results of these diagnostic tests. Chiropractic physicians also examine the patient’s structure, particularly the spine. Lifestyle questions are also important to us—What are your eating habits? Do you exercise? What are your life stressors? Do you have children? What is your occupation? Etc.
As chiropractors, we focus on determining the cause of your health problems. We can determine a diagnosis by utilizing all the information we gather from the patient. It is important to understand that as chiropractors, we seek to determine the cause of disease to eliminate it at the source. We are not symptom chasers.
The Story Behind Chiropractic
Origin and Principles
- Etymology: “Chiropractic” originates from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.”
- Purpose: Chiropractic aims to locate and adjust areas of the body that are malfunctioning, restoring normal function to muscles, joints, and nerves.
- Treatment Approach: Chiropractic involves adjustments of the spine and joints to normalize joint motion, reduce nerve interference, relieve stress, and restore normal body function.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic treatment does not involve drugs, surgeries, or radiation, unlike the medical model.
Philosophical Foundation
Doctors of Chiropractic consider patients as integrated beings, addressing various physiological and biochemical aspects, including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional, and environmental relationships.
The First Chiropractic Adjustment
The chiropractic profession was founded in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. He gave the first chiropractic adjustment to Harvey Lillard, a janitor who had lost his hearing 17 years prior. Lillard's hearing was completely restored within three days of the adjustment, establishing Palmer as a healer within the community.
Development of Chiropractic Theory
Before the first adjustment, Palmer practiced magnetic healing, studying anatomy, physiology, and the work of contemporaries such as A.J. Still, founder of Osteopathy. He transitioned from practicing magnetic healing to focusing on spinal adjustment or manipulation.
Palmer reasoned that interference with the nervous system could disrupt normal body function and homeostasis. He theorized that misalignments of vertebrae could interfere with the function of spinal nerves, leading to his hypothesis on spinal adjustments.
Chiropractic Philosophy
Chiropractors believe the central nervous system is crucial in disease prevention and overall health. Effective nervous system function is essential for controlling and coordinating every aspect of the body.
Chiropractors also emphasize holistic, preventative medicine, assessing factors such as health status, lifestyle, stress management, diet, and exercise to support the body's innate ability to heal itself. They focus on normalizing nervous system function through adjustments and promoting lifestyle modifications to enhance overall health and well-being.
Are You Interested in Learning More?
Our experienced practitioners will happily answer your questions and provide more information about chiropractic therapy.
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