Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded
time. Chinese records from about 2700 BC provide one of the earliest
written references to spinal manipulation. Papyrus records kept by the
Greeks and dating back to at least 1500 BC 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, originally of Canada. 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 a crude adjustment to what he believed was a
misplaced vertebra in the upper spine. The patient then observed that
his 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.
During its 100-year history in the United States, the chiropractic
profession has faced and overcome many obstacles, including a boycott of
the profession by the American Medical Association (AMA). After nearly
two decades of legal action by the chiropractic community fighting this
boycott, in 1992 the Supreme Court of the United States sided in favor
of the chiropractic profession, stating that the AMA had acted in
violation of antitrust laws. As part of the legal settlement, the AMA
released to its members an ethics opinion on chiropractic, stating that
it was thereafter ethical for medical doctors to refer and associate
with doctors of chiropractic. Today, the two professions enjoy
strengthened ties, as witnessed through the interchange of college
faculty and the increase in inter-profession referrals.
Source cite: "Chiropractic," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia
2007
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Chiropractic, (from the Greek words chiros and praktikos meaning 'done
by hand') is a form of health care that prevents disease and maintains a
patient's health and well-being through spinal manipulation, which
involves adjusting the vertebrae in the spinal column, without the use
of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between
the spinal column, the nervous system, the circulatory system, and a
patient's nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle choices. The practice
examines the combined effect of these factors on a patient's overall
health and the prevention of disease.
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), known as chiropractors, 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 tissue
injury. Chiropractors use carefully applied hand pressure in a thrusting
motion to improve vertebra or joint mobility, which in turn improves
nerve function and reduces pain. One theory suggests that chiropractic
therapy triggers the release of the body's endorphins, natural
painkillers produced in the brain. Chiropractors believe that
chiropractic 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 also qualified to provide soft tissue manipulation,
such as muscle 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.
Source Cite: "Chiropractic," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia
2007
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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