Chiropractic

What does "Chiropractic" mean?                                                               

The word "chiropractic" literally means manual medicine and was practised by doctors as early as the time of Hippocrates (460-377 BC). Modern-day chiropractic was introduced by D.D. Palmer in the USA in 1895 and has become the largest healing profession that does not utilize drugs. In essence the treatment is non-medical and non-surgical. Chiropractic concentrates on preventing and treating diseases primarily through the manipulation of the spine and other joints. The foundation of the practice is that the techniques restore normal function to the joints of the body allowing normal expression of nerve function. The patient regains health and wellbeing through the body being able to do its job without interference. The early chiropractors talked about the ability of the bodies innate intelligence when allowed to function without impediment.

What are the principles of Chiropractic?

The basic principle of chiropractic is that spinal adjustments can improve many health problems related to the nerves, skeleton and muscles. Problems including spinal conditions can be helped, and it can also assist to improve a person’s general state of health and wellness.

The bones of the spine (vertebrae) house and protect the very delicate spinal cord and nerve roots (extensions of your spinal cord that divide and re-divide to form your nerve network). When vertebrae lose their proper relationship with the vertebrae above or below they can interfere with the communication between the brain and the rest of your body including your organs and glands. This situation is called a vertebral subluxation.

Spinal joints that are not working properly can irritate the nervous system. Chiropractors use manual treatments, referred to as spinal adjustments, to realign the joints of the spine. Once the mechanical structure of the spine is working properly, the body is able to maintain its own health and wellbeing.

What can a Chiropractor treat?

Chiropractic can treat a range of disorders

Scientific studies have shown chiropractic can be helpful to assist with a range of disorders, including:

How does a Chiropractor treat?

The examination

Typically, the practitioner will diagnose your problem by asking you about your condition and

completing a physical examination. This may involve watching how you stand and move, feeling your spine, head and pelvis, and requesting x-rays. Your past and current health history will be considered. Recent traumas, surgeries and medications are all important in your diagnosis.


You may be adjusted while standing, sitting, lying down or in combination – it depends on your symptoms and the techniques judged appropriate by your chiropractor. You can sometimes hear a clicking or clunking sound as the spinal joints are adjusted, but this is usually painless.

There are various methods of adjustment

There are a number of different methods of adjustments that use various degrees of hand pressure and specialized equipment, including:

There are many different methods of Chiropractic

Gonstead Technique:
Detailed analysis of spinal X-rays to analyze intervertebral relationships is used to determine correct adjustments to be administered.

Diversified:
A technique devised by D.D. Palmer using specific lines of drive in a manual thrust for particular spinal mechanical problems. A very common treatment method.

Activator:
Through the use of a mechanical device they correct dysfunction using a small tool which delivers a light and measured force to correct intervertebral misalignments.

Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST):
A non-force technique using subtle, yet precise pressure applied by hand to remove blocked nerve energy, eliminate physiological interference and balance sensory signals to the central nervous system.

Cox Flexion Distraction:
Involves traction or stretching of the spine with a specialized table designed to reduce spinal pain. It blends chiropractic and osteopathic principles to treat disc problems and improve spinal mobility.

Applied Kinesiology:
Applied KInesiology interacts with the placement of bones and the muscles that hold them in position.  Light massage is given to various reflexes and sometimes to acupressure points. This restores normal muscle function, in order to allow the adjustments to be more effective.

Thompson Terminal Point:
A full spine technique using a special drop table.

Palmer Toggle Recoil Technique:
A speed and precision adjustment in which the hands are placed over the subluxation and the elbows snapped to give sudden pressure. There is no joint cracking.

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT):
Padded blocks are placed under the patient in the pelvic area to allow the body to adjust itself, since muscle tension at the pelvis can affect the neck. This technique emphasizes the pelvis and the cranium as the basis of structure.

Logan Basic Technique:
A gentle, sustained pressure is exerted at the base of the spine. Correcting the sacrum corrects the rest of the spine.

Nimmo Technique:
Application of simple pressure to tender areas to release muscles from localized spasm.

In addition to these there are a great many technique methods. Here are a few; Neuro Vascular Reflex Technique,NUCCA, Grostic, Polarity, Howard, Leander, Hole-In-One,Bioenergetics, Atlas SpecificPettibon, Pierce-StillwagonNetwork, Webster, Meric.......... The list goes on.

Special considerations

If you have specific health conditions or other issues, the chiropractor will take them into account when deciding on your treatment. These assessments help the chiropractor to evaluate any special needs you may have and to ensure your safety and comfort during treatment. These issues may include:

Where to get help

Things to remember