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Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by edmeza00
Chiropractic care, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Word Count 622
Chiropractic care is an alternative medical practice that specializes in the identification and management
of mechanical diseases of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those affecting the spine.
Chiropractors align the musculoskeletal system of the body, particularly the spine, using manual
manipulation and other non-traditional therapies such adjustments and spinal manipulations to promote
self-healing without the need of drugs or surgery (Walker, 2016).
Chiropractic care as a healing practice originated in the late 19th century. It was founded by Daniel David
Palmer, a self-taught magnetic healer and grocer from Davenport, Iowa, USA. The birth of chiropractic is
often attributed to an event that occurred on September 18, 1895. According to chiropractic history,
Palmer claimed to have restored the hearing of a man named Harvey Lillard by manipulating his spine.
Lillard, who was partially deaf, allegedly mentioned that he lost his hearing after a back injury. Palmer's
manipulation of Lillard's spine led to the restoration of his hearing. This event is considered the first
chiropractic adjustment and is commemorated annually as Chiropractic Founders Day. Following this
incident, Palmer developed a system of adjusting the spine, which he believed could cure various
ailments by restoring the body's natural alignment. He gave the practice the name "chiropractic," which
is derived from the Greek words "cheir" (hand) and "praktos" (done), denoting a hands-on method of
treatment (Holmes et al., 2018).
Chiropractors are currently used in the American health care system. The most common educational
prerequisite for future chiropractors is a bachelor's degree in a relevant profession, however there may
be other requirements as well. Attending a chiropractic college, completing a Doctor of Chiropractic
(D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college, which usually takes about four years (Walker,
2016).
Health Insurance Coverage:
Private Health Insurance: Chiropractic treatment is covered by a large number of private health
insurance plans. The extent of coverage, however, might differ significantly. A set number of visits per
year may be covered by some plans, while a portion of the cost may be covered by others.
Medicare: Chiropractic treatments are often covered by Medicare, a federal health insurance program
for seniors 65 and over, if they are considered medically essential and given by a chiropractor who has
been approved by Medicare.
Medicaid: Chiropractic care may be covered by Medicaid, a state- and federally-funded program that
offers low-income people health insurance. State-specific insurance laws differ (Holmes et al., 2018).
Chiropractor effectiveness
Spinal Alignment: Chiropractors believe that many health problems can be traced back to problems with
the spine. They use adjustments to bring the spine into proper alignment, which can alleviate pain and
improve overall health.
Nervous System Impact: Chiropractors believe that the nervous system is greatly affected by the
alignment of the spine. By correcting spinal issues, they aim to improve the functioning of the nervous
system.
Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care often includes lifestyle counseling, exercise recommendations, and
nutritional advice to promote overall wellness (Walker, 2016).
Conditions Treated:
Back and Neck Pain: Chiropractors commonly treat issues like back and neck pain, often caused by poor
posture, accidents, or repetitive strains.
Headaches: Certain types of headaches, especially those originating from tension or misalignment in the
neck, can be treated through chiropractic care.
Joint Pain: Chiropractic care can also address pain in joints such as shoulders, knees, and ankles.
Sports Injuries: Athletes often seek chiropractic care for injuries and performance enhancement.
Sciatica: Chiropractors can provide relief for sciatic nerve pain through various techniques (Hart, 2007).
Treatment Techniques:
Spinal Adjustments: The main method is aligning a spinal joint by exerting a controlled, abrupt stress on
it.
Mobilization: This involves low-velocity manipulation, movement, and stretching of joints and muscles.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors may use massage therapy, trigger point therapy, or stretching to relax
muscles and improve tissue healing.
Exercise and Rehabilitation: Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to help patients improve
their strength and flexibility (Hart, 2007).
References
Hart, J. (2007). Correlation of health outcomes with physician and chiropractor ratios in the United
States.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6
(3), 105–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.06.003
Holmes, M. M., Bishop, F. L., Newell, D., Field, J., & Lewith, G. (2018). Chiropractors’ views on the use of
patient-reported outcome measures in clinical practice: a qualitative study.
Chiropractic & Manual
Therapies, 26
(1), 50–50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-018-0219-6
Walker, B. F. (2016). The new chiropractic.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 24
(1), 26–26.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0108-9
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