What is Chiropractic?
The definition of Chiropractic according to the World Federation of Chiropractic is: “Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment.” (World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999)
What does this mean?
Chiropractic is a registered primary healthcare profession that specialises in finding out the root cause of your symptoms and providing highly skilled treatment to help resolve the problem. People mostly see chiropractors for back and neck pain, but chiropractors are trained in managing other musculoskeletal problems too, for example Tennis Elbow, Frozen Shoulder and more. Chiropractors specialise in treating problems of your joints, bones and muscles and the effects they have on your nervous system. Chiropractors use safe, gentle, specific spinal manipulation to release joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. This is sometimes called an “adjustment”. Apart from manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as well as advice about posture and lifestyle. Doctors of Chiropractic (DC’s) must undergo a minimum 4 year full-time training covering subjects such as; anatomy, biomechanics, biochemistry, general diagnosis, neurology, nutrition, pathology, philosophy, psychology, physics, physiology, radiography, radiology, along with spinal analysis and adjusting procedures. Chiropractic treatment is therefore very safe as chiropractors undergo excellent education. They keep their knowledge up to date by undergoing Continued Professional Development. Chiropractic dates back to 1895 when Canadian Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment and went on to found The Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1897. Chiropractic has since developed and is underpinned by scientific research, hence gaining recognition and respect for the place it has taken in the primary healthcare environment.
