History of Chiropractic

What do Chiropractors do?

Why do Chiropractors take X-Rays?

How does my Chiropractor work with my physician?

Spinal manipulations have been used for thousands of years by almost every culture to aid pain and speed healing. However, many of these ideas were discarded with the founding of modern medicine.

Dr. D.D. Palmer is considered the founder of modern chiropractic. Dr. Palmer was a healer who saw the need for drug-free medical care. With the idea that misaligned vertebrae affect the nervous system, he developed a method for adjusting specific areas of the spine. The philosophy of modern Chiropractic is founded on many of D.D. Palmer's ideas. Palmer's son, B.J. inherited his father's enthusiasm for chiropractic. He worked to develop and define chiropractic as an accepted form of natural health care.

D.D. Palmer

Did you know.......

• In 1913 Kansas became the first state to license chiropractic.
• The term chiropractic comes from the Greek "cheiros" (hand) and "praktos" (done by).
• There are approximately 50,000 chiropractors in the United States.
• 8 out of 10 people experience back pain some time in their lives.
• Approximately 15 to 20 million Americans seek chiropractic care each year.
• "Chiropractic patients were 3 times more satisfied with their care than patients of family practice physicians."
  Western Jounal of Medicine-1989
• 9 out of 10 chiropractic users feel their treatment is effective.
  The Gallup Organization-1991

Doctors of chiropractic diagnose and treat health problems that can be associated with a patient's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. Chiropractors work primarily with the spine, but also work on problems involving the extremities, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

How Chiropractic Works

When you first visit a chiropractor a medical history will be taken. Your chiropractor will determine through examination, diagnostic testing, and x-rays the levels of subluxation in your spine. Through gentle adjustments, vertebra are precisely "released" to allow nerves to function normally and allow the body's natural healing process to take over and work right.

Some conditions may correct rapidly. However, some subluxations may have been present for years and can take longer to correct. While several treatments may be necessary, "...studies indicate a 45-55% savings in overall costs when treatments are provided by a chiropractor instead of a medical doctor." (Califoria,1972-Wisconsin, 1978-Florida,1988-Utah, 1991)

Pregant women, infants, children and the elderly all benefit from chiropractic care. A healthy spine and nervous system is important for everyone!

Chiropractors take X-rays for any or all of the following reasons:

1. To rule out a pathological condition (e.g. cancer, bone tumor, fracture)
2. To perform a biomechanical evaluation to correlate with other exam findings
3. Evaluate response to treatment and help guide treatment plan

1. Age more than 50 years
2. Neuromotor deficits
3. Suspicion of ankylosing spondylitis (a condition where all or some of the the spinal joints bones fuse together)
4. history of cancer
5. Increased temperature over 100°
6. Patient returning for same problem
7. Patient not improved in reasonable amount of time
8. Significant Trauma (e.g. Motor Vehicle Accident, Work or Sports Injury)
9. Unexplained Weight Loss
10. Drug or Alcohol Abuse
11. Use of Corticosteroids
12. Litigation may be possible
13. To verify safety of physiotherapeutic procedures (e.g. Ultrasound, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Massage)
14. Slow progression of symptoms over time then sudden, severe pain

How Does My Chiropractor Work With My Physician?

More and more physicians are recommending chiropractic for their patients. It is a drug-free, non-invasive form of care. Your chiropractor will be happy to send appropriate reports and updates to your physician to complete your medical file. Your chiropractor will also refer you to another health care provider if necessary. An open exchange of ideas within the health care community benefits everyone.