Father of Chiropractic 
According to The Association of Chiropractic Colleges, "chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health."
Origins
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Father of Chiropractic |
This simple philosophy has healed people and has prevented unwanted injury and illness for over a century! But to fully understand the chiropractic perspective, one must learn a bit about the nervous system, or how our bodies are "wired."
Our wiring
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal
cord, and nerves. The brain is divided into sections and stores and receives
an incredible amount of information. But this information needs a way to get
in and out. Nerves provide a pathway for this information to travel, and the
spinal cord is made up of bundles of these nerves. The spine both houses and
protects the spinal cord.
Nerve dysfunction can result from any number of factors, such as falls, accidents, stress, tension, or over-use. These events can alter our "wiring" and create pain or discomfort in our bodies.
Getting to the source
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to locate the source of the pain
or discomfort— it may actually be far from the actual location where the
symptom is occurring— and then we correct or adjust the joints in the
body and set it up to heal on its own.
Of course, the type of correction or adjustment employed by the chiropractor depends on the condition being treated, but you get the main idea. The important thing to remember is that chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source of the problem, not just masking the symptoms.
Holistic efficiency
Because helping the body heal itself involves
many facets, chiropractors also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent illness
and injury. Diet & nutrition,
fitness, ergonomics, and other areas in your life contribute, or diminish,
your overall health. By making the right choices, one can live a life full
of wellness and vitality.
Chiropractic doctors practice natural, drugless, non-invasive health care and rely on the body's ability to self-heal. Sounds ideal, but just how does it work?
We look at the whole picture
Like other health-care providers, we follow a standard routine to gain information
about the patient. We consult, review the case history, conduct a physical
examination, and we may request laboratory analyses and/or x-rays.
Unlike other health-care providers, however, chiropractic physicians also conduct a careful analysis of the patient's structure and pay particular attention to the spine. We also ask you about your life— Do you eat well? Exercise at all? How do you deal with stress? Do you have children? What do you do for work? And so on.
We seek the origin of the problem
Using this information,
a diagnosis is made. Included in the diagnosis is the probable reason for your
pain or discomfort. It is important to note that chiropractors seek the origin
of the illness in order to eliminate it-we do not simply treat the symptoms.
If your roof is leaking, do you simply catch the drips in a bucket for years on end, or do you repair the roof to prevent it from leaking? Similarly, if the migraine headache you've had all week is being caused by misaligned vertebra and an irritated nerve, do you continue to take pain killers indefinitely, or do you realign the vertebra to prevent the pain? You get the picture.
Chiropractors have a term for misalignments: subluxations. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that protect the spinal cord. It's a leak in the roof. Or a kink in the wiring of your nervous system.
The severity of the subluxation can vary, and there are a number of potential contributing factors that can be physical, emotional, mental, or chemical. The subluxation can be caused by any number of incidents, from birth trauma to an auto accident to simple repetition or over-use.
Then we help you fix it
When a subluxation occurs, a chiropractor
can correct the misaligned bone and allow it to return to its proper position.
This procedure is appropriately called an adjustment, and the adjustment enables
the body to heal. The leak is fixed. The wiring is fixed. Information is flowing
again.
To keep the wiring fixed and the information flowing, several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to massage, physical therapy, stretching exercises, or strengthening exercises. In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is just as important as the initial remedy.
Another important aspect of chiropractic care is this: the patient's improvement is the responsibility of both the doctor and the patient. You will be active in your own care-this is essential in optimizing the care you receive.
People have been turning to chiropractic health care for over a century. They have sought treatment for a wide variety of ailments, from migraines to heel pain. The following is a brief summary of circumstances where chiropractic is an appropriate health-care choice.
You or your child have been in an accident
Trauma can cause spinal misalignments
in the body which can in turn distort your structure and irritate your nerves,
bones, ligaments and discs. Any accident, no matter how minor, can create nerve-damaging
misalignments. We can give you a spinal check-up to ensure that your spine
is free from these health-compromising changes and to prevent any long-term
damage.
You or your child have a sports- or work-related injury
When a subluxation has been caused by repetitive stress or overuse
at work or play, spinal nerves may be impeded. This may in turn negatively affect
one's range of motion, strength, reflexes, endurance, and, ultimately, performance.
Chiropractic can help your body restore normal nerve function and help you get
back to your peak in both play and work.
You or your child are simply in pain
Interruption of proper nerve flow, for whatever reason, can eventually
lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. You
don't need to live with it— we can help you get to the root of the problem,
set your body up to heal, and restore your health.
You are pregnant
The additional weight and stress on the framework
of the body during pregnancy can cause pain in almost any part of the body.
Because pregnant women are often reluctant to take any over-the-counter and
prescription pain relievers, they often turn to chiropractic care to help alleviate
pains associated with pregnancy. In addition, we can also offer lifestyle (especially
nutrition and exercise) advice specific to the expectant mother.
You have a "little one"
Babies and children grow quickly, and their muscles, ligaments, and
bones develop rapidly. A jump, tumble, or fall can jar the body, affect the
spine (and possibly the nervous system), and then go undetected for years. Even
simple factors, such as a heavy backpack or an ill-fitting car seat, can have
negative effects on a child's health.
With these things in mind, it's evident that babies and children have much to gain from chiropractic care. Regular spinal exams can provide corrective and preventive care for "little ones," as well as peace of mind for the parent.
Parents of small children also have much to gain. We can offer advice regarding how to pick up and carry a child and, for post-partum mothers, an assessment of any structural changes that may have occurred during pregnancy, labor, and/or delivery.
You have a "big one" (i.e., a teenager)
Teenagers' bodies are also growing at a rapid rate. This, combined
with the fact that teenagers often think they are invincible, sets them up for
a wide range of physical problems.
Imagine your teenager hearing from someone other than you the benefits of proper diet, exercise, posture, and other good lifestyle habits! With regular visits to your doctor of chiropractic, your "big one" will have a body that is structurally and functionally sound, and head start on a life of good health.
You are in your "Golden Years"
There are numerous physical problems associated with aging, and drugs
and surgery are often prescribed to treat these problems. There is little, if
any, attention paid to actually fixing these problems— and little or no
emphasis on preventing them.
But you need not succumb. Chiropractors understand the effects of aging and have been helping folks deal with the aches and pains associated with aging for decades. As with other patients, we diagnose the ailment, determine what's causing it, and then choose from a variety of gentle therapeutic techniques to alleviate it.
We can also guide you through simple changes in your lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) that can greatly improve the quality of your life. Old habits are hard to break, but it's never too late to start healthy habits.
You feel fine
Even if you feel as though you're operating at 110% or better, chiropractic
can help you maintain your desired level of health and fitness. You may currently
have spinal irregularities that exhibit no symptoms whatsoever. However, problems
may arise in the future.
Just as regular maintenance visits are recommended for your car, and regular dental cleanings and check-ups are recommended for your teeth, regular chiropractic check-ups can help detect and prevent spinal stress or joint disorders.
In short, chiropractic health care is a smart choice for most everyone, at any time-you'll stay healthier longer, and the time and energy (and money!) saved due to your preventive efforts can be spent on things that are fun to do. A better quality of life awaits you.
Over 100 years ago, chiropractic health care was founded by Dr. D.D. Palmer. He had a simple theory: that good health can be sustained naturally, without the use of drugs or surgery, by removing vertebral subluxations and allowing the nervous system to function properly.
His theory has stood the test of time. This section will briefly explain how the theory was proven by taking you "behind the scenes," into the field of chiropractic research.
1895–Present: Scientifically Proven
Since the first chiropractic
adjustment in 1895, the chiropractic profession has rapidly grown to be the
third-largest field of health care behind medicine and dentistry. The reason
for the growth of chiropractic is simple: chiropractic is based on sound, scientific
principles that have been proven with thorough research.
Investigations and inquiries have been conducted worldwide by government agencies, universities, health-care facilities, and private- and public-sector research organizations. The following paragraphs summarize some of the landmark research studies that have resulted in widespread recognition of chiropractic as a sound health-care choice.
Government of New Zealand. The New Zealand Commission Report was published in 1979 and was the culmination of two years of interviews from health-care experts on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic. The government of New Zealand funded the study, which concluded that modern chiropractic is a "soundly-based and valuable branch of health care in a specialized area."
Wilk, et al, vs. American Medical Association (AMA) Lawsuit. Another inquiry that further validated chiropractic came about in 1987 through an antitrust suit filed by four doctors of chiropractic against the AMA. A federal appellate court judge ruled that the AMA had engaged in a "lengthy, systematic, successful, and unlawful boycott" of chiropractic.
During the legal proceedings, studies comparing chiropractic care to medical care were presented that showed how chiropractors were "twice as effective as medical physicians, for comparable injuries, in returning injured workers to work at every level of injury severity."
Since the court findings and conclusions were released, a growing number of medical practices, hospitals, and health-care organizations in the United States now include the services of chiropractors.
Ontario Ministry of Health. In 1993, the Ontario Ministry of Health published the Manga Report, which was a review of literature on the most effective and cost-effective treatments for of low-back pain. After reviewing all available international evidence, the researchers concluded that chiropractic is "greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction."
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). In 1994, the AHCPR of the United States Department of Health and Human Services released guidelines for the management of lower-back pain.
The guidelines, which were intended to assist primary-care physicians, were developed by a panel of 23 professionals, including medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, nurses, experts in spinal research, and physical therapists. The panel concluded, among other things, that chiropractic treatment (specifically, spinal manipulation) is recommended for acute low-back problems in adults and should be pursued (in most cases) before pharmaceutical or surgical treatments.
Present-Future: Ongoing Research
Health-care practitioners
in all fields rely heavily upon data made available as a result of clinical
research. As the chiropractic profession continues to grow, so does our need
to conduct research. The acceptance of and the increase in the utilization
of chiropractic care depends largely upon research addressing questions of
effectiveness, safety, practicality, and cost-effectiveness.
Who does the research?
The following is just a sampling of
organizations, publications, and private and public institutions where chiropractic
research may be conducted.
There are entire organizations devoted to chiropractic research (e.g., the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, the Consortial Center of Chiropractic Research), as well as journals (e.g., the Chiropractic Research Journal, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research).
In addition, there are research departments associated with each of the 23 chiropractic colleges around the world (e.g., the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, the National University of Health Sciences). Professionals from different organizations commonly collaborate on research projects.
Research has also been conducted around the world by governmental organizations (e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Ontario Ministry of Health), academic institutions (e.g., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Welsh National School of Medicine), medical journals (e.g., the British Medical Journal, the Journal of Family Practice), and private research organizations (e.g., RAND, the Gallup Organization).
What do they study?
Topics of research vary widely and include
anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, neurophysiology, instrumentation, public
health, geriatrics, and human performance. The fundamental goals of the researchers
are to promote and further chiropractic education and health care.
In conclusion
The purpose of chiropractic research has been
(and still is) to provide information needed to document and improve chiropractic
health care worldwide. Our profession has seen advances once thought impossible
due to the impact of scientific research.
For example, federal grants for chiropractic research are now a reality. The Department of Defense formed a committee to introduce chiropractic services into the United States military. Several managed-care organizations now recognize us as qualified primary-care providers. And there is an ever-growing public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care.
Feel free to do your own research— at work, at school, at your health club or rec center. Ask around. You will hear countless success stories on how chiropractic has helped people recover from an accident, an injury, a tense period in their life, etc., or how chiropractic has helped them develop new, healthier lifestyle habits.
Collect more data by making an appointment with us today. You will be pleased with the results.
Chiropractic care is effective for a wide variety of conditions. The following is a partial list of some of the most common. If you do not see your or your child's specific condition listed, we encourage you to give us a call so we can personally address your particular concerns.
Allergy
Allergies are often treated with chiropractic care.
Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity of the
immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers have found that the immune
and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the brain and spinal
cord to control and coordinate their functions.
If your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This upper cervical spinal joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic symptoms. While many asthma and allergy sufferers recall specific traumas (e.g., head injuries, auto accidents, or falls) which could have injured their upper cervical spines, some do not.
Come in and visit our offices and we can perform an upper cervical examination and determine if your allergic reactions could be helped by chiropractic care.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS has become one of the most
widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions
of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to
be no end in sight.
The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.
There are a number of different ways to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back or neck can cause this condition, and chiropractic manipulation of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment option.
These treatments, along with physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with CTS.
Disc problems
Discs are the cartilage pads that separate and
cushion and help connect the vertebrae that make up your spinal column. They
serve as shock absorbers between each of the vertebrae and are constantly subjected
to the pull of gravity and the torque from everyday movement. Disc problems
can be the result of genetics, the normal "wear and tear" of aging,
and injury.
Disc function is greatly affected by the alignment of the spine. A subluxation or structural imbalance can force a disc to bulge, protrude, or herniate, which then can result in contact with the nerves and cause pain.
This common back problem is one we see frequently. We effectively treat this malady by realigning the vertebrae and returning the spine to its normal range of motion, thereby reducing the pressure on the discs and spinal joints. We also incorporate physical therapy as well as strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles. Core stabilization is essential for prevention of subsequent disc problems.
Headaches
Headaches are common in our fast-paced, pressure-filled
world. There are many causes of headaches, including physical trauma, emotional
stress, nutritional deficiencies, or chemical toxins. In addition, if your
neck and/or back are out of alignment, this can affect nerves, muscles, and
even blood flow to your head. Too often, we turn to over-the-counter medications
to relieve our discomfort. Unfortunately, these only mask the underlying
sources of pain.
After your initial chiropractic examination, we can determine if chiropractic health care is the best alternative for treating your chronic headaches. A combination of chiropractic adjustments and nutritional and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
It is important to know that if you've suffered from chronic headaches for years, improvement can take time. But a visit to our offices is a great place to start. Every headache has a cause, and if we are unable to identify the cause, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. (See also: Neurological conditions.)
Joint dysfunction
Joint dysfunction is the condition most
often treated at our offices, and we are specially trained to treat joint disorders.
Joint or articular problems are caused by osteoarthitis (degenerative joint
disease), subluxations, sprains, intervertebral disc problems, and various
abnormal changes in the curve of the spine. Joints that are aligned improperly
or are impaired will begin to degenerate rapidly if not attended to promptly
and properly.
Adjustment procedures, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are very effective in treating joint disorders. As with all conditions we treat, we will be happy to refer you to another health-care provider if you are not a candidate for chiropractic.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions such as headaches, neuritis (inflammation of
any part of a nerve, other than the nerve root), and radiculitis (inflammation
of a nerve root as it exits the spine) are the most commonly treated neurological
cases in the chiropractic profession. Radiculitis is a common source of shoulder,
arm and hand pain. With neuritis, patients sometimes experience sensations called
paresthesias (feelings of tingling, hot spots, cold spots, crawling sensations,
stinging, and burning). Loss of equilibrium/vertigo is also a condition sometimes
treated by our office.
Because neurological problems can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, these situations often call for a referral or co-management with other health-care professionals.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage
and bones of joints caused by "wear-and-tear" processes. It is often
associated with degenerative changes in the disc and results in friction between
adjacent vertebrae. The friction causes a strain as well as a loss of motion
in the facets (gliding joints) of the spine. If these joints are exposed to
continued trauma such as strenuous exercise, weakened muscles, and the inevitable
factors of aging and heredity, the results can be severe low-back and/or leg
pain.
While chiropractic cannot halt the process of osteoarthritis, we can improve the quality of life while living with the disease. If you're suffering from osteoarthritis, your spine is usually less flexible; therefore, it becomes more vulnerable to injury. Under our care, your treatment may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises. We can also recommend natural, drug-free ways to control your pain and discomfort.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the common name given to the injury where
there is a hyperextention (increased backward motion) and hyperflexion (increased
forward motion) of the cervical (neck) spine. More simply put, the head is
dramatically thrust forward and backward. Car accidents and falls can cause
whiplash injuries.
Symptoms of whiplash include headaches; visual disturbance; stiffness of the neck; restriction of movement; and shoulder, neck, or arm pain. These symptoms may or may not be felt immediately. It is estimated that most whiplash injuries are not felt for several hours, days, and in some cases even months or years following the accident.
Even if you are not in pain following a whiplash incident, it is important to receive prompt attention to your injury, as the structural balance of your neck and spine is important to your health. We can assist in your recovery by correctly adjusting your neck and/or spine so it has the chance to heal properly. In addition, we can recommend physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and natural anti-inflamatories to put you back on the road to good health.
It is important to understand the stages of chiropractic care because they are unique relative to those of other health-care disciplines. Because chiropractic addresses core physiological and biomechanical aspects of the body, the process to correct problems without drugs or surgery can take some time. Some conditions can be treated in a few visits, while others may take longer.
The following is a brief summary of the three major phases of chiropractic care.
Relief Care
The majority of patients consult a chiropractor
because they have an ache or pain. In the first phase of care, the main objective
is to eliminate or reduce your discomfort and stabilize your condition in the
shortest amount of time. During this phase, progress is usually rapid.
The number of times you visit a chiropractor during this phase of care varies and is dependent upon your specific condition. It's hard to say how long it will be until you see relief— it could be as short as a week or up to a month. If you are not responding to chiropractic care during this phase, you may be referred to another health-care provider.
Rehabilitative Care
Once your condition has stabilized, you
enter the second phase of care, where the objective is to correct any underlying
injury or cause of discomfort, strengthen the muscles, and improve neuromusculoskeletal
function. The frequency of office visits is reduced over a period of two to
six weeks. Care may be supplemented by rehabilitation exercises, nutrition,
and modification of daily habits.
It is important to remember that many of the conditions for which people seek care have developed over many years; therefore, correcting these problems is a true rehabilitative process. It helps to understand that it takes time to correct these conditions.
Once your discomfort has subsided, you may think all is well and choose to abandon your efforts. However, if you end your care before fully healing the muscles and soft tissues, you can invite a relapse. This is a mistake many people make, and it sets them up for recurring health issues.
It's hard to believe that, after all the time, effort, energy, and money put into correcting a problem, a patient would choose to forgo this relatively easy phase of care! As much as we'd love to see you in our office, we'd much rather assist you in maintaining your health rather than relieving your pain.
Wellness Care
You then "graduate" to the wellness
phase, which is designed to maintain your improved health, encourage normal
spinal function, prevent the return of the original condition, and catch small
problems before they become serious. A personal wellness care program will
be designed specifically for you where we teach you how to incorporate good
nutrition and exercise habits into your everyday life, thereby promoting vitality,
endurance, and the ability to enjoy life at its fullest.
A good way to look at chiropractic is to relate it to dentistry. We all know it takes a long time to develop tooth decay, but with regular maintenance and check-ups, the plaque doesn't have a chance. Similarly, it often takes a long time to develop a spinal misalignment. But with regular maintenance, the bones will not have a chance to get out of line.
Few things as complicated as your body can be "fixed" and then ignored. Think of your car, your teeth, or your relationships. They take time and effort to maintain, but you know it's worth it in the long run. That's why we recommend a regular schedule of chiropractic check-ups.
You can then congratulate yourself on achieving your ultimate goal: optimal health!
Chiropractic is now firmly established as a primary health-care profession where, according to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 7 to 16 percent of people in the United Stated seek treatment each year. Our profession has earned recognition for its remarkable effectiveness and its focus on natural, drug-free, non-invasive methods of treatment. This section summarizes the effectiveness of chiropractic for some of the conditions we treat.
General Lower-Back Pain
Approximately 25% of our patients
come to us with a chief complaint of low-back/pelvic pain or discomfort. This
pain can be brought on by an accident, overuse, repetitive stress, emotional
stress, or just everyday living.
Several studies have been conducted to determine the efficacy of spinal manipulation as a treatment for lower-back pain in general. One of these involved three chiropractic colleges in California, where researchers reported that "the trend for spinal manipulation to produce better results than any form of treatment to which it was compared was consistent and strong." For 86% of the outcomes, spinal manipulation was more effective than any other treatment rendered for lower-back pain.
Additional studies conducted both in and out of the United States yielded similar results, where patients reportedly recovered at a more rapid rate, had fewer relapses, and gained a new sense of confidence in their movement. Still more investigations have been conducted on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for two sub-categories of lower-back pain: acute and chronic.
Acute Lower-Back Pain
A report published in 1994 by the Agency
for Health Care Policy and Research on acute low-back pain concluded that spinal
adjustment is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. In another
study published in 1994 by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and
the Jefferson County (Missouri) Rehabilitation Center, it was concluded that
greater and more rapid improvement occurred when treated using exercises and
spinal adjustment for acute low-back pain.
A third study conducted by the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and the University of Vermont was published in 1992. These researchers reported that spinal adjustment, when compared to other methods of treatment for acute lower-back pain (massage, corset, and TMS), proved to be a "superior," more effective treatment after three weeks of care.
Chronic Lower-Back Pain
In 1997, the Dutch Health Insurance
Board funded an investigation that summarized the results of 48 separate studies
on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for chronic lower-back pain.
The investigation determined that spinal adjustment is more effective than
treatments suggested by general practitioners (bed rest, analgesics, and massage).
Two similar studies conducted in Canada in 1985 (University Hospital in Saskatoon) and 1991 (University of Calgary), plus a third study conducted in Poland in 1986 (Silesian Medical School), produced results similar to the Dutch investigation.
Neck Pain
Approximately 19% of our patients come to us with
complaints of neck pain or discomfort. This pain can be caused by a variety
of factors, such as an accident, injury, overuse, etc. The most common neck
condition we address is whiplash.
The efficacy of chiropractic for neck pain has been well documented in numerous studies conducted in the United States, Canada, Wales, and the Netherlands. In a joint U.S./Canadian study published in 1996, researchers from UCLA, the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and two chiropractic colleges found that for some patients with sub-acute or chronic neck pain, spinal adjustment proved to be a more effective treatment than mobilization or physical therapy.
In a study conducted by the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto in 1997, researchers found spinal adjustments to improve neck mobility and decrease neck pain. An additional Canadian investigation published in 1997 by the University of Calgary found spinal adjustments to improve neck mobility and decrease neck pain in patients having back and/or neck complaints.
General practitioners in private practice at the Welsh National School of Medicine conducted a study of the efficacy of spinal adjustment in alleviating neck and shoulder pain. The results, published in 1983, indicated that pain and discomfort improved significantly after adjustment, as well as range of motion and flexibility of the affected areas.
A 1992 Netherlands study conducted by doctors of medicine and other professionals investigated different methods of treatment for patients with chronic back and neck pain. After 12 weeks of care, manual therapy (which consisted of adjustment and mobilization of the spine) had showed a "faster and larger improvement in physical functioning" relative to the other types of treatment such as massage, exercises, and physical therapy.
Head Pain
Headaches, both tension and migraine, are the chief
complaint for approximately 13% of our patients. Before you reach for your
pain-reliever of choice the next time a headache or migraine sneaks up on you,
consider the following information on the efficacy of chiropractic care for
head pain.
In a 1995 study conducted in Minnesota, the effectiveness of spinal adjustment relative to the administration of an antidepressant drug (amitriptyline) for patients with chronic tension-type headaches was investigated. The researchers included doctors of chiropractic, a doctor of medicine, and another professionals from Northwestern College of Chiropractic and the Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Center, Ltd. They determined that, after four weeks of treatment, patients receiving spinal adjustment therapy experienced a continued lack of symptoms, whereas patients taking the medication returned to original, baseline conditions.
Another study, published in 1997 by doctors of medicine and doctors of chiropractic at the University of Odense and the Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics in Denmark, compared spinal adjustment and soft tissue therapy for the treatment of benign, chronic headaches. They found that both methods of therapy allowed for significant improvement, and there were no side effects or signs of worsening associated with either method.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
With a large percentage of the population using keyboards either at work or
at home, CTS is becoming increasingly common. CTS is a condition where there
is a disturbance of nerve function in the wrist. Because it is a neurological
issue, we are treating more and more patients of all ages suffering from
this malady.
One study, published in 1998 and conducted by researchers from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minnesota, compared chiropractic treatment of CTS to conservative medical treatment. The chiropractic treatment included manipulation, ultrasound treatment, and wrist supports, while the medical group received an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) and wore wrist supports. They found that both methods of treatment proved to be equally effective and recommended that patients with CTS who are sensitive to medical side effects pursue chiropractic for treatment.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic
pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness
at specific sites in the body. While the cause is unknown, an estimated 3 million
people are affected in the United States. Because we offer a conservative,
hands-on approach to health care, some patients suffering from fibromyalgia
are supplementing their medical care with chiropractic care.
In 1997, a study was conducted by three Canadian chiropractors on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients with fibromyalgia. They reported significant improvement in flexibility and reduction of pain levels and recommended that this type of treatment be included along with medical treatments for this condition.
Infantile Colic
Colic is a condition that occurs in early
infancy and is characterized by episodes of loud crying, apparent abdominal
pain, and irritability. Unfortunately, it is a common condition that affects
approximately 10% of babies in the United States and lasts from about 2-3 weeks
of age until 3-4 months. While the causes of colic are not always known or
understood, parents of children exhibiting symptoms of colic are seeking help
from chiropractors because of its effectiveness in reducing the severity of
the symptoms.
One study that documents the efficacy of chiropractic for treating infantile colic was conducted in 1989 by a doctor of medicine and doctors of chiropractic at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Great Britain. Researchers reported that 94% of infants with colic appeared to be helped by spinal manipulation within 14 days of the start of treatment. The babies tended to have both fewer episodes of crying and shorter crying spells.
Another study, this one conducted in 1999 in Denmark, investigated two infant groups: one that was treated with spinal manipulation, and another that was treated with an over-the-counter antacid medication (dimethicone). After two weeks, the group treated with spinal manipulation exhibited a 67% drop in daily hours of crying, while the dimethicone group experienced a 38% drop.
Just a sampling
In summary, the above-referenced studies indicate chiropractic is effective
for head, neck, and back pain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia,
and infantile colic. It is important to note that the conditions discussed in
this section are not the only conditions we treat— this has simply been
a sampling of studies that have been conducted to determine the efficacy of
chiropractic. Our scope of practice extends well beyond the above maladies,
and we will help you determine if chiropractic care will be an effective means
of treating your particular condition. Chiropractic care will be an effective
means of treating your particular condition.
The writings of Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.), Galen (130-200 A.D.), and even ancient manuscripts of the Egyptians, Hindus, and Chinese reveal some principles common to chiropractic. Its place in modern health care is largely attributed to Dr. Daniel David Palmer, who founded the first chiropractic college in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895.
In the late 1800s, Dr. D.D. Palmer was a healer and a teacher trying to understand the cause and effect of disease. His first chiropractic adjustment was performed in 1895 on a man who was deaf. The loss of hearing was associated with his back "giving out" while working several years prior to meeting up with Dr. Palmer. Dr. Palmer was able to restore his hearing by realigning the man's spine.
The second such adjustment provided relief for another patient who was suffering from heart trouble. Dr. Palmer theorized that "if two diseases, so dissimilar as deafness and heart trouble, came from impingement, a pressure on nerves, were not other diseases due to a similar cause?"
He began developing his adjustment techniques and was soon getting results with many different conditions, from colic to ear infections to headaches. Dr. Palmer went on to found the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Iowa. Because of its success in healing, the new profession grew quickly.
All 50 states and many countries recognize chiropractic as a health-care profession. Today, there are more than 50,000 chiropractors in the United States alone, and there are 26 chiropractic colleges worldwide. Chiropractic is one of health care's fastest-growing fields simply because it's safe, natural, drugless, non-invasive, and effective.