Chiropractic Art of Bone Manipulation

The History of Chiropractic

Chiropractic, as we know it, was developed in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. In truth, spinal manipulation has been an effective healing art for thousands of years. In the 19th century there were "bonesetters" who practiced a healing art much like chiropractic. The ancient Egyptians and the ancient Chinese both practiced spinal manipulation as a healing art. Hippocrates also used spinal manipulation.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural, hands-on method of healing. The Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand" is the origin of the word chiropractic. Chiropractors correct subluxations in the spine. Subluxation means the vertebra is out of place, necessarily dislocated, but it is not quite in the position it should be in.

A subluxated vertebra does not move quite normally. When a joint doesn't move for weeks, it becomes stiff and sore and increasingly difficult to move. It is the Along with the stiffness and pain from a subluxation, the nervous system can be affected. Most of the nerves in your body must travel through the spinal column in order to get to your central nervous system. When the joints of the spine become stiff, sore and swollen from a subluxation, the nervous system is adversely affected. A chiropractor corrects subluxations.

Correcting subluxations can help to restore health. It can also prevent future health problems. If a vertebra is subluxated and doesn't move very well, it becomes prone to degenerative changes such as arthritis.

What do Chiropractors do?

At your initial consultation, the first thing that the chiropractor will need to know is about your general lifestyle, health history and current health concerns that you may have. She may also ask you about the health history of your close family members. Before making any adjustments to your body the chiropractor may also want to take an x-ray to examine any structural problems that may be affecting your health.

The chiropractor will use her training to feel out your spine for misalignments or other unusual abnormalities. If any are detected, the chiropractor will use gentle manipulation to correct the area. Gentle pressure is used and the therapy should not cause any pain. In addition to spinal manipulative techniques, other therapies such as massage, and dietary changes my be employed.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Some of the benefits of chiropractic care include:

• pain relief
• headache relief
• increased flexibility and mobility
• reduced stiffness
• relief from arthritic pain
• increased energy levels
• a greater sense of overall health
• better coordination
• faster tissue healing
• reduced inflammation

Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a chiropractic treatment, no matter what age. It is even safe for pregnant women and babies. Chiropractic care can help you to avoid drugs and surgery, both of which are much more risky than chiropractic. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustment can often be an equivalent alternative to medication and surgery for back pain.