In 1895, Daniel David Palmer invented the therapy called "chiropractic." The self-taught Ontario-born healer maintained that he had cured a man’s deafness by manipulating a displaced vertebra in his spine. Ever since, chiropractors have been criticized by the medical establishment about the lack of scientific evidence for some of their claims – but that hasn’t stopped many people from visiting them each year.
Chiropractors believe that disorders result from faulty working of the spine, which affects the normal function of the nervous system. They treat specific joint, muscle or bone areas rather than the body as a whole. Chiropractors believe they can manipulate, or "adjust," a patient’s vertebrae by pressing, pulling, and pushing on the shoulders, neck, back, and hips. A typical back problem usually requires 8 to 12 visits of such therapy, which is often combined with exercise, ultrasound, massage, and nutritional counseling.
Today, "neofundamentalists" consider manipulation necessary to correct misalignments of the spine they blame for many illnesses. They believe that chiropractic treatments are essential for overall health. "Revisionists" focus primarily on health care involving pain in the back, head, neck, and chest.
Studies show that repeated sessions of spinal manipulation are an effective treatment for acute back pain and are somewhat effective for chronic back pain. There is a growing acceptance by the medical community for chiropractic treatments intended to relieve back pain and other musculoskeletal problems. Some health care plans partially cover chiropractic treatments; others do not. (Many private health insurance policies also provide coverage. Find out about your burden of the fee before your consultation.)
When it comes to chiropractic’s grander claims, however, doctors are less tolerant. Although a chiropractor’s education usually consists of four years in a chiropractic college, followed by clinical experience, some medical experts warn against visiting chiropractors for any ailment other than problems like muscle spasms and strains or lower-back pain.
Be aware that chiropractic has potential hazards: Avoid rotary neck manipulation (a sudden twist of the neck). The whiplike motion, unlike neck massage, can interrupt the brain’s blood supply, causing paralysis or stroke. Spinal manipulation is not recommended if you suffer from herniated disks, severe osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, spinal infections, fractures, bleeding disorders, and high blood pressure or other risk factors for stroke. Back X-rays have no diagnostic value and expose you to unnecessary radiation.
Many doctors may refer patients to qualified chiropractors for the treatment of unexplained muscle and joint problems for which orthodox medicine would otherwise prescribe painkilling drugs. In some cases, manipulative therapy can save a patient from undergoing surgery. In general, see a chiropractor when referred by a medical doctor. The chiropractor should be licensed to practice in your area.
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