Who is a chiropractor?
Are chiropractors doctors? This is the question which arises in our mind when we visit chiropractors. A chiropractor is essentially a health care professional that treats diseases and disorders through spinal manipulation without the use of surgery. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system disorders to promote good health and general wellbeing.
Chiropractors are non-surgical medical practitioners that believe in the interconnectedness and relationship between the nervous system, spine column, nutrition, exercise and general way of living.
Their practice is based on the theory that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure will reflect into good health and general wellbeing. The belief that the body is able to heal itself also plays a major role.
In chiropractic, it is believed that the structure and alignment of the bones and muscles, as well as lifestyle choices, play a dominant role in one’s state of health. In practice, chiropractors engage in neuromuscular manipulation to restore alignment and balance to bones and muscles
Theories
Chiropractors base their practices on the theory that the nervous system is essential to a healthy balance in the body. They believe that an imbalance triggered by misaligned vertebrae or any other joint will affect the nervous system negatively, making the body susceptible to diseases.
Chiropractors use hand applied pressure to improve mobility in the body, thereby boosting the nervous system as well as relieving pain. It is also believed that chiropractic therapy helps to reduce pain by triggering the release of endorphins, a naturally occurring painkiller produced in the brain. For best results, chiropractors advise that patients be brought in immediately pain is experienced before a chronic state of disease sets in
Practice
Common conditions handled by Chiropractors include
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Certain types of lower back pain
- Leg pain ‘’sciatica’’
- Pelvic pain
- Shoulder pain
- Repetitive strains headaches.
In the United States, chiropractors are qualified to offer the following services So now you should have an answer to your question Are chiropractors doctors?
- Neuromuscular manipulation: This includes spinal manipulation and soft tissue manipulation (such as muscle massage and ultrasound stimulation of deep tissue)
- Physical examinations and X-rays
- Counseling: Chiropractors counsel on lifestyle choices, nutritional changes, and exercises aimed to enhance body strength and flexibility to promote overall well-being.
History
Instances of spinal manipulation have been recorded in history with Chinese records providing references to as far back as 2700 BC. Greek literature also suggests that it must have been popular in treating problems in the leg and lower back from as far back as 1500 BC. Records also show that soft-tissue manipulation have been practiced by Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians and Native Americans
In the United States, it was founded by Daniel David Palmer when he examined a janitor who had been deaf for 17 years after he felt a dislocation in his back. Palmer adjusted what he believed to be a misaligned vertebra in the upper spine and the janitor’s hearing began to improve. From that time, Palmer began to research on the relationship between the nervous system, spine column, and human health.
In 1897, Palmer established the Palmer School of Cure, now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. The school continues to exist to this day.
Although there are differences in diagnosis and treatment, many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise or rehabilitation into the treatment plan. They also recommend other health care alternatives if they believe the patient will gain from other medical approaches.