Topic Overview
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a hands-on
therapy based on the theory that
subluxations
in the spine may cause many medical
disorders (especially disorders of the nervous system). Chiropractic medicine
originated in the late 1800s in the United States.
Chiropractic
treatments usually involve adjusting the joints and bones in a person's spine
using twisting, pulling, or pushing movements. Some chiropractors use heat,
electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to help relax the person's muscles before
doing a spinal adjustment.
The primary theory behind chiropractic
therapy is to help the body heal itself by correcting subluxation of the
joints, particularly the bones of the spine (vertebrae).
What is chiropractic used for?
Research has shown
chiropractic therapy to be effective in treating low back pain
1
and to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. The
effects of chiropractic treatment on nonspinal conditions, such as
high blood pressure
or asthma, have not been
scientifically proven.
Is chiropractic safe?
Discuss with your
chiropractor any potential risks associated with chiropractic treatment. Side
effects may include minor pain or discomfort at the point of manipulation,
headaches, and fatigue. Most of these effects go away within a day.
Rare but serious problems, such as a
herniated disc
and
cauda equina syndrome
, may occur when chiropractic
therapy is used to treat back pain. These conditions can cause pain, weakness,
and numbness in the buttocks and down the legs. And they may affect bladder and
bowel control.
Rare but serious problems, such as a
stroke
or a tear in the artery in the neck, can occur
when chiropractic therapy is used to treat neck pain.
Chiropractic
students must have a minimum of 3 years (90 credits) of undergraduate study
before applying to a chiropractic college. After completing a 4-year program,
the chiropractic student receives a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
Chiropractors are licensed in every state and must pass a four-part exam with
the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Always tell your
doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about
combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It
may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on
an alternative therapy.
