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ChiropractorChiropractor Near MeColumbus IndianaPain Management

A Short History of Chiropractic Treatment

By August 27th, 2018No Comments

Although chiropractic treatment is considered an alternative to modern medicine, chiropractic medicine has been around much longer. The roots of chiropractic can be traced to a 2700 B.C. E. in Chinese writing on spinal manipulation in the treatment of lower back pain. Modern chiropractic care traces its origins to D.D. Palmer of Davenport Iowa in 1985. Palmer started the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1897, which continues to be one of the most important chiropractic schools to this day. Modern chiropractic care has found general acceptance in the medical community and during the 20th century chiropractic practitioners gained legal recognition in all 50 states.

Additionally, chiropractic medicine is practiced in over 100 countries around the world. The most common causes for seeking chiropractic care are musculoskeletal conditions, especially lower back pain. Although many schools of chiropractic thought exist, a common thread amongst many is the belief in the fundamental relationship between the spine and health and that this relationship plays out through the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment focuses on a strong belief in the inherent self-healing properties of the human body and weigh risks of clinical intervention (such as medication and surgery) against their potential benefits and suggest non-invasive approaches whenever possible.

While chiropractic treatment overlaps with other manual therapies, such as message therapy, osteopathy and physical therapy, there are important differences that set chiropractic apart.  Chiropractic treatment has a strong emphasis on spinal manipulation and promotes maintenance care, while osteopaths utilize a wider variety of treatment options and physical therapy usually entails the use of machinery and exercise. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment techniques focusing primarily on joint manipulation. Spinal manipulation, often called chiropractic adjustment, is one of the most common treatments utilized by chiropractors. This technique attempts to increase joint manipulation through dynamic thrust, a sudden force causing audible release. Another common method of chiropractic care is Activator technique, which uses a spring-loaded tool to make precise adjustments to the spine. These and a plethora of other techniques are used by chiropractors today to treat a variety of ailments.