About Chiropractic
Definition
Chiropractic is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal problems as well as the implications of these illnesses on overall health. Manual treatments, such as joint adjustment and manipulation, are prioritised, with a focus on joint subluxation and dysfunction.
History
Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He performed his first chiropractic adjustment on a patient, Harvey Lillard, who was a deaf janitor lasted for 17 years. DD Palmer claims that the deafness of Lillard could be attributed to blockage of spinal nerves, which was caused by disordered vertebrae. After the adjustment on the upper back of Lillard, his disordered vertebrae were properly aligned and his nerve pathways were unimpeded successfully, regaining his hearing. The word 'chiropractic' was invented by his friend, Reverend Samuel H. Weed, who combined the Greek words 'cheir' meaning (hand) and 'praxis' meaning (practice) to form the word ‘chiropractic' meaning 'done by hand'.
DD Palmer carried on with his chiropractic after the first adjustment and in 1987, opened the Palmer School of chiropractic, which was the first and largest chiropractic school.
Common chiropractic adjustments
The Diversified Technique
The diversified technique is one of the most common approaches adopted by chiropractors. The technique involves hands-on thrusting motions to fix joint dysfunctions, spinal misalignments and improve patients’ mobility.
The Activator Method
Chiropractors frequently utilise a small, portable instrument called an "activator” to provide a moderate shock to the spine's vertebral segments or to the extremities. The spring-loaded gadget may be used to treat a range of discomforts, from headaches to lower back pain, by adjusting the tone of the nerve system. The advantages for such method are its high speed and localised force.
The Gonstead Adjustment
For the Gonstead Adjustment, the patient sits up or lie down on their side. The chiropractor then manipulate the lower back and pelvis by a precise contact point on the chiropractor's hand.
Spinal Manipulative therapy
Spinal manipulation involves the application of a controlled thrust to joints in the spine. While it sounds similar to the diversified technique, the force applied is usually softer. Studies have shown that spinal manipulation has been used by chiropractors in relieving common pain conditions, e.g. lower-back pain and neck pain. Usually with an audible “pop”, patients will find their joints less strained, inflammation eased and nerve function improved.
Flexion Distraction
The Flexion Distraction method makes use of a unique table that gently and rhythmically distracts and stretches the spine. This method is frequently used to repair disc problems leading to common discomforts, such as back pain and improve long terms issues, such as osteoarthritis and scoliosis. The procedure is painless and even regarded as pleasant by some, making it highly preferable for individuals whose injuries are new or who are more sensitive than average to conventional modifications.
Thompson Drop-Table Technique
With the Thompson Drop-Table Technique, chiropractors usually invite their patients to lie down on a “Segmental Drop Table”, in which drop pieces at target positions are slightly lifted up for chiropractors to reduce the force applied in adjustments. This technique is sometimes used together with other tests such as leg length analysis, X-rays and palpation.
Spinal Decompression
Given its success in treating lower back pain problems brought on by bulging, herniated, degenerative, and slipped discs, spinal decompression may be more appropriately referred to be a chiropractic method than an adjustment. Utilising a motorised traction table, spinal decompression helps create a negative pressure to encourage the flow of oxygen, water and vital fluids into the discs and throughout the spine, by gently stretching the spine and the tensed muscles.
Contact
Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more.
