Chiropractic Therapy

The mission of chiropractors is to enhance the lives of this and future generations through the power of the chiropractic adjustment and wellness lifestyle. Many athletes go to the chiropractor to get their health to full potential again. Although, most clients go to the doctor and get hundreds of dollars worth of x-rays and medicine, if they went to the chiropractor then their injury could easily be fixed with quicker treatments and less money spent. Going to the chiropractor is a better option to heal client’s spinal issues than going to the doctor.

The findings of this survey showed that 73.6% agreed with the use of traditional medicines for health maintenance, 79.2% agreed for benign illness, such as colds or sprained ankles, and 90.3% agreed for palliative care (Zubek, 1994, p. 1926). Where they disagreed the most was with the use of traditional healing in the intensive care units, only 16.9% agreed with the use of this treatment for serious illness, such as cardiac or respiratory compromise, whether in the hospital (21.2% agreed) or as outpatients (26.4% agreed). Nearly half (48.6%) agreed with using traditional medicines for chronic illnesses, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes or Parkinson's disease (Zubek, 1994, p. 1926). One instance where physicians were unwilling to allow their patients to use Native medicine was while the patient is in the hospital, because the physician could be held legally responsible for any treatment administered while admitted under their care. There is also the problem of differentiating between legitimate Native healing practitioners and those who would take advantage of anyone not aware of the proper rituals and techniques that need to be performed (Zubek, 1994, p. 1929). This could be overcome by having a formalized licensing organization such as is used by Western practitioners (i.e. American Society of Clinical Pathology [ASCP]). That poses another problem though, as to whether traditionalists would be willing to have such an organization.

Throughout the years there have been two traditions within the practice of medicine. One is the 'art of healing ' which involves its own specialised brand of training. The art of healing is dependent on the prescriber 's foreknowledge and the clients’ viewpoint of the prosperous results. The 'Science of healing ' is based on scientific and technological ideas. This tradition results in a lower liability for practitioners regarding the showing of an original approach to medicine, however the results of this method are more calculable (Kayne 2002). It is believed that the tradition of the ‘art of healing’ is increasing in popularity. The World Health Organisation states ' 'that the terms ' 'complementary medicine ' ' or ' 'alternative medicine’ ' are used interchangeably with traditional medicine in some countries. They refer to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country 's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (World Health Organization 2000). This type of treatment, is commonly known as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). The word complementary derives from the meaning ‘together with’ established practices and the word alternative refers to ‘in place’ of established practices. Some patients choose to participate in complementary therapies along with the medication prescribed by their general practitioner whilst others prefer complementary therapies as opposed to the medications

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

An increasing number of medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicine for their students, and some hospitals already have alternative medicine departments. The availability of healers and doctors practicing holistic medicine has also increased in recent years, and more and more people are educating themselves in these new fields. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world’s population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional medicine as their primary form of health care.

I have been impacted both directly and indirectly by chiropractic and chiropractors in several aspects. Although I was not on the table myself until earlier this year, I could see relief and comfort in the faces of family members and friends after receiving adjustment. I approached my chiropractor with the goal to correct my posture. Throughout my visits with Dr. Natalie, my posture did improve, but my confidence and curiosity for the profession equally benefitted as well. Chiropractic became more than an adjustment every couple of weeks, it became my newest fascination. Through my university I was able to schedule shadowing experiences with several chiropractors in the area. This gave me the opportunity to get a feel for the profession as a whole as there is a lot that happens outside of the treatment room. The doctors I encountered were invaluable resources

In contemporary society modern medicine usually takes on a curative role, it attempts to cure. Complementary therapy however takes on a very different role; it is used to maintain wellbeing and health as well as a helping to restore wellbeing to before illness or poor health. These therapies are usually used in conjunction with modern medicine. This is usually to relieve symptoms that traditional medicine fails to help with or to boost a person’s emotional or physical health.

In modern medicine, alternative therapies are poorly understood and studied. The preference for alternative therapies, and herbal medicine were indicated, and the fear of relinquishing information regarding these practices were almost paralyzing. It seemed as though they were ashamed to admit to cultural healing practices, and did not divulge information to practitioners regarding their usage. The cultural disconnect was present as alternative/complimentary medicines are valued as a culture, and “modern” practitioners cast judgment on their usage. This perceived stigma additionally limited the information shared by the cultural participants with modern medical treatments, potentially causing additional harm, as some herbals are potentially toxic.

These people used alternative medicines and don’t feel comfortable confiding in their provider about their use of a variety of medicinal herbs or other alternatives to prescription medication to treat their health problems. The cultural disconnect was present as alternative/complimentary medicines are valued as a culture, and “modern” practitioners cast judgment on their usage. This cultural disconnectover the use of these alternative medicines puts a fear in them that results to their not getting proper medical treatment which further put them at risk when they do seek care (Page-Reeves et al., 2013)

My experience in the chiropractic office of Dr. Ronald Wheeler further validates my desire to be a chiropractor. I have always enjoyed helping others and as a chiropractic patient I became interested in this field after multiple successful chiropractic visits. Dr. Wheeler, a long time chiropractor in Anniston, Alabama is the doctor who encouraged my passion even further for this career field. The dedication he displays to his patients is compared only to his love for chiropractic care. I believe that I can become highly skilled in chiropractic services, and I hope that in the majority of cases, I will be able to solve the problem of pain for people naturally. I want be efficient, professional, and establish trust between myself and my patients. Instead of prescribing drugs for pain, or sending a patient off for surgery, I want to offer solutions that will be permanent and sustainable without drugs or even surgery.

In the last two decades, the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by the American public has grown exponentially, especially among women, meriting the question of “why?”. CAM is defined as any medical practice not regularly taught in biomedical schooling, and that is undertaken to replace or to be used in conjunction with standard biomedical practice (Su, D et al, 2011). Examples of CAM typically used include acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine, as well as deep-breathing exercise, yoga, meditation, and prayer. The recent surge in CAM use has been so extreme that it is now estimated that 40 to 45 percent of Americans currently practice CAM use, with 68 percent of Americans having used CAM at some point in their

Chiropractic is semi not science, nor does it deal with the human nervous system, anatomy and physiology. I say semi because in my readings when it comes to back pain for spinal manipulation therapy is based on science and is effective for some people who chooses to proceed in that route. (Hall) Chiropractors are not doctors there are more so considered to be healers. In 1895, D. D. Palmer considered himself to be a healer when it came to restoring a deaf man hearing by adjusting the man’s back. (Hall) In those times it was easy for people to believe anything and everything, but after a while that one magical healing is not going to help every condition.

Accident pain can be very distressing, specially if you receive major injuries. Sometimes you don’t feel the pain of the bruises or cuts for next 6 to 7 hours but suddenly pain appears after one or two days. It is important that you should not neglect the pain and start the treatment straight away. Many patients would go doctor and take strong pain killers which might decrease the pain until you are taking the medicines. These drugs might work for few days after which pain will reappear. Further, choosing a chiropractor can just be the right solution in curing the pain permanently. Massage is the best remedy in curing any kind of pain and does not have any side effects. Furthermore, whiplash is one

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in complementary medicine, and indeed alternative medicine (Lee-Treweek 2002, Andrews 2004, Barry 2006). Moreover the number of professionally trained therapist and practitioners has increased giving the patient/client a better choice and at more competitive rates (Smallwood, 2005).

These therapies have proved to be of much benefit in supporting the normal healing course of the body. Even though there are many modern alternative remedies, with different beliefs, all of them operate under some common principles. One of these principles is that the body has the capacity to heal naturally and maintain stability (Paquette, 2000). The other one is that adverse health conditions can occur as a result of factors emanating from mind, emotions and the body. Alternative medicine, according to Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, (2002), focuses on determining the chief cause of a particular condition, and dealing with the whole person rather that concentrating on symptoms. If a person pays close attention to his/her health he/she can contribute to his/her wellbeing. Alternative medicine holds firmly to the principle that one treatment cannot be used for all people even though they may be suffering from the same condition. Each and every person as per alternative medicine has distinct bodily, mind and spiritual make up (Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, 2002).