Chiropractic
Many
cultures have traditions of bone setters, and histories
of spinal manipulation. The first Chiropractic adjustment
was given in Davenport, Iowa in 1895 by a magnetic healer
named D.D Palmer. It was said to have restored the hearing
of the janitor of Dr. Palmer’s building.
Chiropractic literally means to practice
with the hands. It comes from the Greek word Chiro meaning
hand, and Practic, meaning to practice. It is primarily
concerned with the nervous system and the spine. The Chiropractor
uses the transverse processes and spinous processes of
the vertebrae as levers to manipulate the spine.
Chiropractic philosophy is based upon
the triad of health, which maintains that there is a structural,
chemical, and emotional aspect of health. This is a dynamic
model with each component capable of affecting another.
Chiropractors strongly believe in the innate healing capabilities
of the body and seek to utilize the bodies own innate
wisdom to bring about true healing.
Basic tenets of Chiropractic philosophy
maintain that disease may be caused by disturbances of
the nervous system. Disturbances of the nervous system
may be caused by derangements of the musculoskeletal system.
Disturbances of the nervous system may cause or aggravate
disease processes in various parts or functions of the
body.
The job of the Chiropractor is to locate
and manipulate areas of the spine termed subluxations.
A subluxation is a joint stuck either in place or out
of place and affects not only the health of the spinal
joints but also has larger neurological implications.
The goal is to correct subluxations and the neurological
and physiological changes which result via the Chiropractic
adjustment.
Chiropractors undergo a vigorous four
year education program with emphasis on anatomy, histology,
pathology, physiology, biochemistry, clinical studies
and diagnostics, and Chiropractic technique and philosophy.
In addition to the sciences, Chiropractors must also complete
a two term clinical program. Standardized tests are given
throughout the education by a national governing body.
