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Chiropractic is a system of healing based upon the
manipulation of the spine and joints. Its founder, D.D. Palmer
(1845-1913) advocated that illness is brought about by malfunction
in the spine which in turn affects the body's nervous system and
organ function. Palmer came to this conclusion after he cured a
patient's deafness with spinal adjustments in 1895. Since that time
chiropractic has spread rapidly, and gained acceptance for its
therapeutic benefits.
Principles
Chiropractic works from the principle that modern life produces
abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, most especially the
spine, as a result of trauma, ageing, physical and mental stress and
tension. Chiropractors believe that when a spinal displacement
takes place, the nervous system is affected in a way that reduces
the body's ability to heal itself. Chiropractors work to locate
and 'adjust' variations along the spine in order to free up the
nervosas systems' pathways to the brain. This 'adjustment' involves
changing the position of the vertebrae by specific direct force in a
way that causes the vertebrae to move normally with both the
vertebrae above and below. The adjustment is delivered with
controlled speed, depth and force, and requires considerable
practice and training: treatment should only ever be undertaken by a
qualified professional.
Its use
Chiropractors are most commonly consulted for specific
musculoskeletal ailments such as back pain, repetitive strain and
sports injuries, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, and whiplash as
well as migraines and tension headaches. In addition, chiropractic
treatment can be used to treat asthma, digestive disorders,
menstrual problems and muscular tension where postural problems and
spinal misalignments are involved.
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