Chiropractic is based on the theory that our nervous system is the key to maintaining homeostasis, or a healthy balance, in our bodies. Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) believe that the body is susceptible to disease when this balance is disrupted by misaligned vertebrae, or subluxations, and any other joints and muscles that disturb the proper functioning of the nervous system due to injury. Chiropractors use careful hand pressure in a thrusting motion to improve vertebra or joint mobility, which improves nerve function and reduces pain. One theory suggests that chiropractic triggers the release of the body’s endorphins, natural painkillers produced in the brain. Chiropractors believe that chiropractic treatment is most effective soon after the patient has experienced pain and before the body deteriorates into a chronic state of disease.
Chiropractors primarily treat patients with conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors are qualified to provide soft tissue manipulation, such as massage and ultrasound stimulation of deep tissue; physical examinations; x-rays; counseling on lifestyle and nutritional changes; and counseling on exercises aimed at building flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Chiropractors refer patients to another health care provider if the patient’s condition or disease would be better treated through other medical approaches.
Nearly 80,000 licensed chiropractors practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and many other nations. There are about 2,000 chiropractors in Colorado. In the United States chiropractors treat approximately 10 percent of the adult population each year. Chiropractic is the third largest doctoral-level health profession in the United States, after medicine and dentistry. Chiropractors must pass national board exams and become state licensed in order to practice. Colorado requires continuing education and license renewal.
In the United States, the Council on Chiropractic Education and the Commission on Accreditation recognize 16 accredited chiropractic colleges. To be accepted to a chiropractic college a student must complete coursework in biology, zoology, general or inorganic chemistry, and related laboratory work. Chiropractic colleges require four to five years of professional resident study including clinical experience under strict supervision. Curriculum includes no less than 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience to prepare the chiropractor to be a primary health care provider.
The American Chiropractic Association in Arlington, Virginia fosters high standards of education, ethics, and professional expertise necessary to meet the requirements of the profession and the public. The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research supports research and efforts to educate its members and the public to institute positive change in the chiropractic profession and the broader health care system.
Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Chinese records from about 2700 B.C. provide one of the earliest references to spinal manipulation. Papyrus records kept by the Greeks and dating back to at least 1500 B.C. note instructions for manipulating the legs in treating conditions of the lower back. Records also indicate that the ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced soft-tissue manipulation.
Chiropractic in the United States was first practiced more than 100 years ago by Daniel David Palmer. He first performed spinal manipulation in 1895 on a patient who had become deaf 17 years earlier after he felt something “give” in his back. Palmer examined the back and gave an adjustment to what he believed was a misplaced vertebra in the upper spine. The patient's hearing improved. Palmer continued to explore the relationship between joint dysfunction, its effect on the nervous system, and the impact of both on human health. In 1897 he founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
Most chiropractic patients get outstanding results from their treatment. Maybe you should try chiropractic. It works, it gets results, and that is what counts!