While the use of chiropractic care as a viable treatment for musculoskeletal concerns is certainly nothing new, the recent surge in popularity the field has experienced might lead one to believe that it hasn’t been around for all that long. In fact, many techniques employed in chiropractic care have been used to treat injury for as long as human history has been recorded, dating back to the ancient Egyptians or earlier. The word ‘chiropractic’ comes from the Greek meanings of chiros and praktikos; ‘done by hand’.
The practice of spinal adjustment goes back much farther, but chiropractic care was officially founded in the late 19th century by D.D. Palmer and is now practiced professionally in over a hundred countries. Originally, chiropractors focused almost entirely on spinal subluxations. As of today, the practice has expanded well beyond this narrow definition and generally addresses problems with their roots in nervous system irregularities but which may affect any part of the body.
Chiropractic care treatment focuses on the musculoskeletal system and entails the manual application of controlled force to correct improper alignment of the neck, back and joints. The benefits it has on the spinal column extend to the nervous system at large. Many chiropractors and people seeking chiropractic care place heavy emphasis on just that, as the improvements on the nervous system extend well beyond the spine and joints and in fact help the body to conduct healthy, business-as-usual in all areas. Eyesight, hearing, the digestive system, breathing and the circulatory system are just a few of the areas where a patient might experience significant change for the better after undergoing treatment from a chiropractic care professional.
While many people are distrusting of chiropractic care treatments, surveys have shown that chiropractic patients have the highest of all satisfaction rates amongst all the various healthcare disciplines. There is even a danger of the process becoming addictive (though an ethical chiropractor will do what he can not to let this become a problem).
Before seeking chiropractic care treatment, it may be a good idea to consult your physician and see what he or she recommends. It’s best not to get too hung up on any single treatment process, but rather, to keep an open mind and make sure you’re getting the treatment that’s right for your individual needs. This means neither ruling out chiropractic care as an option nor jumping to the conclusion that it’s the right answer. Always make sure you’ve assessed your situation, talked it over with your physician and undergone a thorough exam before seeking any specially qualified medical professional.