Founded in 1895 by DD Palmer, Chiropractic is based around his belief that approximately 95% of health conditions could be preventable or treated by making spinal adjustments. He further believed that by adjusting other joints, it would be possible to treat other vertebral problems or ‘subluxations’ as he termed it.

Chiropractic is a branch of alternative or complementary medicine that diagnosis and treats problems of the spine and musculoskeletal system. Diminished health and other varying conditions can interfere with the nervous system caused by the misalignment of the spinal joints. Now practiced in over 100 countries around the world, treatment of a patient using Chiropractic will depend on the individual Chiropractor and the patient’s physical condition. Although other treatments may be used, it generally means some manipulation or adjustments of the spine. It is this manipulation that is the basis and also the main technique in modern Chiropractic treatments. Manipulation of the spine in the manner of a Chiropractor is believed to date back to the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Chiropractic differs from Osteopathy, which uses generalized maneuvers of the spine, because it focuses on very specific areas of the spinal vertebrae. Some Chiropractors however, use other methods to help relieve musculoskeletal pain including the theoretical ‘subluxation’ technique introduced by D D Palmer. Often chiropractors will diversify from their main discipline and specialize in particular injuries such as sport, and use other techniques to assist this such as physiotherapy and nutrition, for example. Others may also use a combination of holistic therapies as part of their service.

Prescribing drugs is not permitted though because it is a Chiropractors belief that they should pursue a drug-free approach to treating their patients. Some Chiropractors, depending on their location and local health laws, may train to carry out minor surgery but often the Chiropractor will consult with conventional health providers when necessary. Whilst most chiropractors will concern themselves with a patients overall health, in the first instance, most people contact the Chiropractor with back problems usually the neck and lower back pain.

A study carried out by the US organization the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2002, Chiropractic was the fourth most popular Complementary & Alternative Medicine used amongst adults. Many health conscious people around the world use Chiropractors as they do not prescribe drugs (or surgery usually) and advocate a healthy lifestyle in an field that now has developed hundreds of different techniques.

Fortunately, owing to a general re-think and change of attitude towards non-invasive and alternative medicines, Chiropractic has become more acceptable in the treatment of back, neck, joints and extremities. Almost all chiropractors operate in the private sector employing Chiropractic assistants and often physiotherapists to help with therapeutic treatment and aftercare.

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