Chiropractic as a healing art was introduced to the world in the late 19th century.
Although some form of it was utilized as far back as in ancient China, it was not until
founder D.D. Palmer observed a connection between spinal misalignment and organic
disease (in that case, deafness) that the modern day practice of chiropractic was born.
Chiropractic is based on a philosophy that true health comes from within. That is, we
are born with everything that we need to live full, healthy lives. This philosophy has
been the source of much controversy throughout the 20th century, as the American Medical
Association fought long and hard to prevent chiropractic from practicing under this premise.
The reason for modern medicine's disapproval is that its own practice is based on the
philosophy that health is challenged at all times by outside sources, particularly microorganisms
like bacteria. According to this philosophy, drugs and medications are necessary to preserve
human health. It is believed that the body alone is unable to regulate and heal itself,
and therefore sickness is inevitable for most.
The chiropractic health-from-within model is entirely different from that belief. The
chiropractic philosophy says that human beings are born healthy and that health is compromised
only when an obstacle is present to disrupt the body from functioning properly. Many obstacles
exist and microorganisms represent only one type. The obstacle that chiropractic specifically
addresses is called a subluxation.
Chiropractic: What is a Subluxation?
Subluxations are misalignments of the vertebrae or bones of the spine. Chiropractic
works by finding these misalignments and correcting them. With subluxations, not only are
the vertebrae misaligned, but more importantly the spinal joints are stuck. That is, they
do not move properly. This condition leads to inflammation, muscle spasm and irritation
of the sensitive nerve tissue exiting the spinal cord and passing through the vertebrae.
Chiropractic removes these subluxations by utilizing a technique called a chiropractic
adjustment. This procedure is performed by a high speed thrust on the spine at the
area of the subluxation. It is also said to be "low amplitude", because the distance
of thrust is small (approximately one inch). This thrust opens up the joint, restoring
movement to the area.
The adjustment is characterized by a "popping" sound (called a cavitation)
that many people mistake for the "cracking" of bones. The popping sound is created
by gas (nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) released from the joint as it is opened, very
much like the sound made when removing the top from a champagne bottle.
This procedure is usually painless, although some people report minor discomfort, particularly
when muscle spasms are intense. Most chiropractors have techniques to either reduce muscle
spasms before the adjustment or use an alternate form of adjustment that is very low force.
How can chiropractic help?
During the early years of chiropractic practice, it was discovered that by adjusting
the spine, lame people regained their ability to move and walk properly. Thousands of people
began to get relief from their physical ailments and chronic pain.
There were also many reports of people who experienced relief from other chronic problems,
such as asthma, digestive disorders and menstrual problems, to name just a few. Although
these accounts were mostly anecdotal (patient description and testimonial) and therefore
scrutinized by modern medicine, research
over the years has shown the efficacy of chiropractic care in the treatment of low
back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. See also spine-health.com.
Since its inception over 100 years ago, chiropractic has helped hundreds of thousands
of people regain their health and return to living healthy productive lives. Chiropractic
is being practiced in over 35 countries worldwide, and although their histories have been
some what tumultuous, chiropractic and medicine are finding ways to work together to the
betterment of the public.
Chiropractors complete an intense four-year training program that is comparable to the
education provided in American medical colleges. In fact, the chiropractic education exceeds
the medical education in hours dedicated to anatomy and nutrition.
Dr. Nick Campos, Chiropractic Doctor