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A Brief History Of
Chiropractic
The first recorded
chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr.
Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and helter. Dr. Palmer was,
at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was
Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same
building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport,
Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for
over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer
discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's
back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then
repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments,
much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored.
Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of
chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic
procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing
acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a
popular health care choice.
Chiropractic Philosophy
The chiropractic perspective
on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:
1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the body
functions and its ability to heal itself;
and
2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and
in the healing processes.
Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its
emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern
medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic
("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of
the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience
to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness.
Widespread Use of Chiropractic
Care
The increasing interest in
alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations
and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of
Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990
to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of
visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was
among the most frequently used non-medical therapies.
A followup report published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of
non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey,
with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an
estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of
alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey
respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the
previous year.
Healthy Tips for a Healthy
Spine
The following tips can help
you take better care of your spine:
1) Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned and
supports the spine's natural curve. The best sleeping positions are on
your back or side.
2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to
maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be bent
when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by maintaining spinal
curvatures and cushioning your weight.
3) Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Placing a
lumbar support in the lower portion of your back may help support your
spine's natural curve. Readjust the seat of your car so that your knees
are level with your hips.
4) When bending forward, bend at the knees and hips, but keep your back straight.
This will help to keep your spine's curvature in proper alignment. When
lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do most of the
work. Hold the objects being lifted close to your body to keep the weight
on your spine to a minimum.
The ABCs of Subluxations
Vertebral subluxations
are displacements of the spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress
to your spinal cord and nervous system. Subluxations
may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise,
injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the
birthing process itself.
Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting subluxations and restoring optimal health.
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