Everything You Need To Know About The History Of Chiropractic Medicine

Chiropractic was developed in the United States as an alternative to the often harsh medical practices of the late 19th century. This practice relies on the belief that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself if nerve impulses are allowed to travel freely between the brain and the rest of the body. Manipulation of the spine is chiropractic's primary means of ensuring proper function of the nervous system.

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer, a successful, self-taught healer from Iowa received a visit from the janitor of his office building, who had been deaf for 17 years following an injury. Palmer, who had a background in spinal therapeutics, physiology, anatomy, magnetic healing, and laying on of hands, examined his patient and found a prominent, painful, misaligned vertebra in the upper spine, in the area the man had injured just before he'd lost his hearing. Palmer administered a sharp thrust to the bone, and the janitor's hearing was restored. Palmer believed that by adjusting the misaligned vertebra, he had relieved pressure on a nerve that affected hearing.

Palmer called his new approach chiropractic, meaning "done by hand," from the Greek words “cheir” for hand, and “praxis” for practice. In 1897 he set up a school to teach his system. Currently, chiropractic is widely accepted as a legitimate therapy for musculoskeletal pain, and particularly back pain.

Many chiropractors focus upon relieving joint dysfunction. Most clinicians now believe that this is a valid application for chiropractic. Actually, the primary intervention used by chiropractors is the manipulation of joints through "adjustments" of misaligned vertebrae and other joints. A typical chiropractic adjustment is a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust which lasts about one-tenth of a second. Practitioners apply a small, highly controlled force to stretch a joint just beyond its usual range of motion.

Procedures are painless and are usually accompanied by an audible snapping or popping sound, resulting from the release of tiny gas bubbles that have built up in the joint fluid because of immobility. Properly done, the adjustment immediately produces an improvement in joint function with increased range of movement, relief of pain, and relaxation in the area.

Chiropractors also perform low-velocity, variable-amplitude maneuvers called "mobilizations." In addition, they perform soft tissue manipulation, trigger point manipulation, and direct deep tissue massage. Chiropractors also employ exercise and rehabilitation procedures, and offer advice on nutrition, hygiene, and health promotion. Many also use acupuncture or homeopathy.

Chiropractors often use a variety of external physiotherapy treatments to help relax muscles before they make manual adjustments. These treatments also support the body's healing. Among them are:

1. Heat therapy (for pain relief and to promote healing)
2. Cold therapy (to decrease swelling and relieve pain)
3. Immobilizing therapies (such as splints, casts, wraps, and traction to protect and heal damaged tissues)
4. Hydrotherapy (to soothe muscles and increase circulation)
5. Electrotherapy (to provide deep tissue massage and improve circulation)
6. Ultrasound (to reduce swelling, eliminate fluids, and soothe muscle spasms)

In addition to standard adjustments and physiotherapy, chiropractors also use other manipulation techniques and therapies, including:

1. Cranial manipulation, which focuses on the bones of the skull and on the spinal fluid.
2. Activator technique, which employs a small instrument that gently moves vertebrae.
3. Network chiropractic, which uses light, subtle touch, and a combination of manipulation techniques.

One of the most common approaches used by chiropractors is the use of nutritional therapy. Another approach used by many chiropractors is applied kinesiology, a system for diagnosing and treating illness based on the belief that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a specific muscle weakness. Applied kinesiology technique is based on the theory that complementary muscles can indicate the strength or weakness of corresponding organ systems.

An initial visit with a chiropractor often includes a discussion of the patients history and current problem; a standard physical examination; an observation of how the patient walks, bends, and sits; and palpation of the spine to determine whether there are any muscle imbalances or subluxations. Many chiropractors also take X rays. Chiropractic treatment usually involves a series of visits. In an uncomplicated low back condition, significant improvement should be noted within twelve visits. If a disc is bulging or protruding, it may take longer.

An estimated 40% of chiropractic patients seek care for low back pain. Other conditions for which patients commonly seek chiropractic care include upper back, neck, and head pain, joint, and muscle problems. A much smaller proportion of patients seek chiropractic care for nonmusculoskeletal conditions. According to chiropractic theory, chiropractic manipulation has a general health-enhancing effect.