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More Information
Topics:
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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 healer. 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 follow-up 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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