Chiropractors treat health problems that are associated with the body’s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. The science of chiropractic is mainly based around spinal manipulation. With manipulation, a practitioner will use their hands to mobilize, adjust, massage, or stimulate the spine or surrounding tissues. The purpose of spinal manipulation is to restore joint mobility by applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement.
The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words chiro and practices, and roughly means done by hand.
This refers to how a chiropractor will use their hands to manipulate the spine. Chiropractic is a healing discipline based on science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton and the nervous system, chiropractic is concerned with the entire body.
Chiropractic is by far the most popular form of alternative health care, and uses a holistic approach in its treatment.
Chiropractors believe the correct alignment of the spine is necessary for the nervous system to function properly.
The theory is that the body cannot function and heal itself without the nervous system being free of interference. The interference with these systems impairs the body’s normal functions and lowers its resistance to disease. The spine is the most common site of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and organs.
Chiropractic adjustments involve applying a controlled, sudden force to a joint. It is a non- invasive, manual procedure that utilizes the skills developed through intensive chiropractic education. Adjustment is a carefully controlled procedure delivered by a skilled practitioner. The primary goal is to decrease pain and to improve range of motion in the joints and supporting tissues.
Like other health practitioners, chiropractors will take the patient’s medical history, conduct various examinations; and may order laboratory tests in order to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment. X-rays and other diagnostic images are important tools to a chiropractor as they show the position of the spine and its alignment.
Chiropractors practice a drug-free, manual approach to health care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors are also trained to recommend therapeutic exercise, to utilize other non-invasive therapies, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Some chiropractors use treatments in addition to spinal manipulation. These include therapy using water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric impulses, acupuncture and heat. They also may apply supports such as straps, tapes, and braces. Chiropractors counsel patients about wellness concepts such as nutrition, exercise, changes in lifestyle, and stress management, but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Chiropractic training is a 4-year academic program. It consists of both classroom and clinical instruction.
Students are only eligible for chiropractic training after first completing at least three years of college. Students who graduate receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). All chiropractors are regulated by their state's license board.