Chiropractic Basics
The word chiropractic is
derived from Greek and means “to perform with hands”. Chiropractic
focuses on healing the body, allowing the body to heal itself without
the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic care is the third
largest health care profession in the U.S.
Chiropractic was founded by
Daniel David Palmer, a grocer, who performed his first chiropractic
adjustment on September 18th 1895. In 1898 Palmer founded the
Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

Chiropractors are doctors
who are educated and licensed specialists in Spinal Adjustments and
correction of Spinal Subluxations. Doctors of Chiropractic are
licensed in all states and are required to take rigorous National Board
and State Board examinations. Chiropractors are required to
complete continuing education courses or programs offered by
chiropractic associations every year.
Educational requirements for Doctors of Chiropractic are similar to
Medical Doctors and include 4 years of undergraduate study and 4 – 5
additional years in a school of chiropractic.
The first 2 years of chiropractic and medical school are very similar.
The main difference occurs in the 3rd and 4th years of study. Medical
schools emphasize drugs and surgery while chiropractic study emphasizes
biomechanics, radiology, musculoskeletal diagnosis and adjusting
techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is an adjustment of a subluxation by a specialized and
licensed doctor using his hands.
How does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because of a self-healing, self regulating
organism controlled by your nervous system.
What’s an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust that helps add motion to
spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Some methods use the doctor’s
hands, an instrument or a special table. There are many ways to adjust
the spine.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Most often adjustments don’t hurt. Apart from some mild muscle
soreness or tenderness adjustments should not hurt.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes, adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and risky
surgery, chiropractic care has an excellent track record.
How long before I feel better?
Some patients experience instant relief. However for some patients
it might take a few days or a week.
Can you give me any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense drugs of any kind.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient’s spine is unique and the patients care is
custom-tailored for their individual condition.
What makes the sound during an adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some
adjusting methods can produce sound when the gas and fluids shift in the
joint.
Who needs chiropractic care?
Everyone (even babies) can benefit from safe, effective and painless
chiropractic care. It’s not just those who suffer from headaches or back
pain.
What conditions can chiropractic help?
- Headaches
- Low Back Pain
- TMJ
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- Earaches
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