What is Chiropractic care?

Assisting the body to change, adapt, repair, and evolve to a healthier, functioning version of itself.

Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on the spine (but not limited too). It is based on the belief that these disorders can affect the body's overall health and well-being. Going back centuries, there were various forms of manual manipulation used to try and stimulate the body's own nervous system to work more effectively to heal. Then, during the year 1885, Daniel David Palmer (D.D. Palmer) implemented what is considered the first adjustment for specific spinal segments and the codification of the philosophy, art, and science of Chiropractic. This essentially created the practice of Chiropractic treatments that, today, over 30 million Americans use every year.

One of the primary purposes for Chiropractic care is to increase the mobility in the joints while helping the body to maintain internal balance. Today, Doctors of Chiropractic go through extensive medical school training, similar to medical students, in studying anatomy, physiology, neurology and various other sciences. The primary difference between medical students and Chiropractic students is the emphasis they place certain subjects during their education. During the first two years of schooling, medical students place an emphasis on pharmacology while chiropractic students emphasize nutrition and natural alternatives to medications. The last two years for both groups are spent learning the tools and skills necessary for their respective fields, medical students rotate through specialties like orthopedics and pediatrics while Chiropractic students focus on Chiropractic manipulation therapy (CMT), Physiotherapy devices, and rehabilitative techniques.

Does it work?

Research has shown that chiropractic care can have a number of health benefits. One of the main health benefits of chiropractic care is pain relief. studies have found that chiropractic adjustments can be effective in reducing pain, especially back pain, neck pain, and headaches. For example, a 2010 systematic review of studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was more effective than placebo in reducing low back pain, and was similarly effective as other forms of treatment such as physical therapy and medication.

Another health benefit of chiropractic care is improved mobility and flexibility. Chiropractic adjustments can help to restore proper joint function, which can improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. This can be especially beneficial for people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause joint stiffness and discomfort. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in improving mobility and reducing stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Not just the Neck and Back

Chiropractic care may also have other health benefits, such as improved sleep and reduced stress. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic care was associated with improved sleep quality and reduced stress in college students. The care doesn't stop there, Chiropractic adjustments can also involve the extremities of the body. The extremities are generally talked about as the "upper extremities" and the "lower extremities" as they are the parts of the body that extend from the torso (shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands) and extend from the waist (hips, knees, ankles, and feet). In Summary, Chiropractic care has been shown to have a number of health benefits for both the spinal column and the extremities, including pain relief, improved mobility and flexibility, and possibly improved sleep and reduced stress. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of chiropractic care may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated, and it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Don't Just Take My Word For It

There is a growing body of research on the health benefits of Chiropractic care, and many studies have shown that this type of care plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Here are a few examples of research articles on the health benefits of Chiropractic care:

1. •"Chiropractic care for low back pain: a systematic review" by Gert Bronfort, Roni L. Evans, Brendan J. Dickholtz, Jr., et al., published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2010)

2. •"Chiropractic care for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial" by Gert Bronfort, Roni L. Evans, Brendan J. Dickholtz, Jr., et al., published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2006)

3. •"The effects of chiropractic care on sleep quality and stress in college students" by Christine Goertz and John L. Liddle, published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2009)