Thursday May 17th, 2012
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| Thursday May 17th, 2012
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Chiropractic: A History of ControversyWhat is Chiropractic? Performed by manipulating the spine and other body structures, chiropractic is a method of treatment used to relieve pain in the lower back. Chiropractors are also known to be able to help relieve headaches and high blood pressure but the practice can be extended to other ailments like adult scoliosis, neck pains, and some non-musculoskeletal conditions. In essence, chiropractic is considered an alternative type of medical treatment. It is a long-term treatment whereby patients would need multiple treatments before their conditions improve.
History of Chiropractic Daniel Davis Palmer is the Father of Chiropractics. He founded the first chiropractic school in Davenport, USA in 1896. By using his chiropractic techniques, Palmer succeeded in improving the hearing ability of a janitor who was nearly deaf. When osteopathy emerged as a threat to chiropractics, his son Bartlett Joshua Palmer worked hard to spread the chiropractic method. By integrating modern technology into chiropractic care, B.J. Palmer contributed to the rapid expansion of chiropractics in the country. Soon, Dr. Solon Langworthy introduced the term “Subluxation”. According to Dr. Langworthy, misplaced vertebra in the spine can cause an obstacle in the spine. This is known as subluxation and it has to be removed by a chiropractor.
Treatment Techniques Chiropractic treatment has to be complemented by physical exercise and health counseling. There are four fundamental approaches in the practice of chiropractic. Holism states that a healthy environment will improve a person‘s health. Conservatism encourages patients to abstain from surgery of any kind. Homeostasis proposes that the human body possesses self-healing properties. Finally, the chiropractor outlines a suitable treatment model for the patient in the straights approach.
Important Historical Chiropractors Before Palmer, there were other chiropractors as well. The first person who executed basic chiropractic techniques was Greek physician Hippocrates, famously known as the Father of Modern Healing. Another Latin practitioner, Claudius Galen, also made some contributions to the science of chiropractics. Sometime around 2nd century B.C., Chang Chung King, a Chinese physician, introduced manipulation to his students. In the 19th century, Sir James Pagent and Daniel David Palmer contributed greatly to the growth of chiropractics.
Controversy of Chiropractic Throughout its history, chiropractic has attracted controversy, both internally and externally. Chiropractic has been related to a few reported cases of quackery. In the medical fraternity, vertebral subluxation, the main principle of chiropractics, is not founded on sound science. Up to this point, there’s no comprehensive research to show that chiropractics is effective in the treatment of other medical conditions, except the relief of back pain.
Chiropractic Education In the United States, the top alternative medical profession is chiropractics. Chiropractic is also the third largest doctored profession. There are a number of colleges with programs leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree or DC. Chiropractic students have to be educated in such subjects like physiology, pathology, and anatomy, among others. Upon graduation, chiropractic students have to pass an examination before they can begin their practice.
Conclusion Despite the controversies, many people still turn to chiropractics. In comparison to other alternative medical treatments, chiropractic cure is more cost-effective. This explains why it’s so popular.
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