About Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic care is the third-largest area of medicine, yet it is one of the most misunderstood medical professions. Chiropractors have been called "quacks" for nearly a century, but recent popularity has caused many people to rethink their ideas about this branch of medicine. Whether you are suffering from back pain or a chronic medical condition, you may find that a visit to the chiropractor is the answer to your pain.
History of
Chiropractic care often feels like a "new" branch of medicine, but it has actually been practiced professionally since 1895. Even before that time, Herodotus, who lived during the time of Hippocrates, would manipulate the spines of his patients to help cure some diseases. Dr. Daniel David Palmer discovered the type of spinal adjustment that is the foundation of today's chiropractic profession. The medical community, however, did not accept his work and research, and he was even jailed for his teachings about spinal manipulation. His son, Bartlett Joshua Palmer, continued his research into the spine and developed a clearly defined chiropractic philosophy and health care system, which is still practiced today.
The Facts
The spine is part of the central nervous system, and the nerves that travel through the vertebrae carry messages from the brain to the various organs and systems of the body, and vice versa. When one of the vertebrae on the spine is out of its normal alignment, a condition known as subluxation, the nerves are pinched and their messages cannot get through. According to chiropractic medicine, this causes pain, disease and other medical conditions. Modern chiropractic medicine focuses on correcting subluxations in the spine through manipulating the vertebrae back into place, and this can help other conditions as well.
Misconceptions
Those who are unfamiliar with chiropractic care often have misconceptions about it. Some think that the adjustments will hurt. If subluxations are severe and pain is already present in the back, there can be some pain when the vertebrae are adjusted, but routine chiropractic care is rarely painful. Others think that chiropractic care is dangerous because the doctor will be "cracking" their backs and necks. The cracking sound sometimes heard during the adjustment comes from scar tissue in the spine, not bones themselves. While there are some risks involved with this type of medicine, in general chiropractic care is considered completely safe.
Benefits
The most recognizable benefit of chiropractic care is the relief of neck and back pain, but it carries many other benefits. Many patients are surprised to find that chronic headaches are cleared by chiropractic adjustments. People who receive chiropractic care tend to be healthier overall, because the messages traveling along the spine are able to reach their destinations, allowing the body to function properly. Chronic health problems, like sinus and stomach problems, sometimes clear up after the spine is realigned. Routine chiropractic care can also reduce the risk of developing spinal conditions later in life, such as slipped disks or arthritis.
Type
Chiropractic care falls into three main categories: relief, corrective and maintenance. People who are suffering from a specific pain may seek relief care, and they will stop receiving care when their condition is fixed. Corrective care is recommended for patients who suffer from chronic spinal problems or problems that have been present for many years without treatment. Maintenance care is for those patients who have had their main conditions treated but need to continue treatment from time to time to maintain their newly aligned spines.
Risk Factors
Like all types of medicine, there are some slight risks involved with seeking chiropractic care. While it is rare, a manipulation can cause blood clots. People with degenerative bone conditions, like osteoporosis, who seek aggressive chiropractic treatment may suffer form small bone fractures. Some believe there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke from neck and spine adjustments, but this has not yet been proven. Because of these risks, many medical doctors will not recommend chiropractic care, even to patients who could benefit greatly from an adjustment.
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