\ec·lec·tic\ adj. selecting from various systems, doctrines, or styles. n. a person who uses various methods in philosophy, science, or art.
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RATINGS
Developed in the late 19th century by Daniel D. Palmer, chiropractic seeks to diagnose and treat disorders of the spine, joints, and muscles with techniques of manipulation, and to maintain the health of the central nervous system and organs. Practitioners believe that when body systems are in harmony, the body has the ability to heal itself from within. As a result of its success in treating back problems, headaches, and sports and other injuries, chiropractic is the most widely practiced branch of complementary medicine in the West, with around 60,000 practitioners worldwide.
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HISTORY
The term chiropractic comes from the ancient Greek cheiro, meaning hand, and praktikos, doing; literally, "done by hand" or "manipulation." Spinal manipulation has been practiced since at least the 5th century B.C., and variations, such as Native American "back-walking," are found all over the world.
Chiropractic was developed in 1895 by a Canadian, Daniel D. Palmer, who tested his theories by manipulating the spine of his janitor, deaf for 17 years after a back injury. This reportedly caused a shift and the janitor's hearing returned.
In 1906 Palmer was jailed for practicing medicine without a license, but his son, B. J., continued his methods. The therapy was popular during the early 20th century, spreading to Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, but doctors were skeptical, and in the 1960s the American Medical Association (AMA) condemned it as an "unscientific cult." A 12-year legal battle ensued, which the AMA lost in 1987. Now recognized in American health care, chiropractors work in hospitals and sports clinics. British chiropractors built up research evidence to support their case; in 1994 the Chiropractors' Act allowed them to be state-registered as health professionals. In Australia, official recognition of chiropractic in 1978 led to the world's first government-funded course.
KEY PRINCIPLES Chiropractic sees the body as a naturally healthy system. Along with its mechanical structure of bones, joints, and muscles, it has a power source, lubrication, and wiring. The key to the system is the spine, which links the brain to the body, affecting how the body functions. Any distortion to the spine affects other parts of the body.
Chiropractors regard individuals as more than a set of bones, nerves, and muscles. They claim that treatment can ease muscle tension resulting from stress or problems in internal organs, such as the intestine or uterus. When the skeletal structure functions smoothly, the body's natural healing processes are free to keep the entire system working in harmony.
A substantial body of scientific research now exists to support the efficacy of chiropractic for acute lower back pain. Recent studies have found it not only clinically convincing but also cost-effective.
Studies at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia (1992), showed that chiropractic compared favorably with traditional medical treatments in terms of effectiveness and cost. A study by the Rand Corporation in Los Angeles (1992) marked the first time that representatives of the medical community went on record stating that chiropractic is an appropriate treatment for certain causes of lower back pain. In 1990 and 1995 the British Medical Journal published results of multicenter trials that showed that patients receiving chiropractic treatment for lower back pain improved more than those receiving standard hospital outpatient care.
Studies undertaken by the Australian Centre for Chiropractic Research in 1991 showed chiropractic to be twice as effective as standard medical health care for back injuries, with major savings in compensation for injury at work.
MEDICAL OPINION Thanks to positive studies in reputable journals, medical opinion is generally well disposed. Yet most doctors know little about chiropractic and are unsure how to incorporate it into their practice. Outside the US, it is still unusual for a chiropractor to work in a conventional medical setting, but as research accumulates and the profession establishes legal codes of practice, the situation is likely to improve.
The practitioner begins by taking a detailed medical history, both of current and past problems, including any past injuries or surgery that may have contributed to your condition. She will ask about your lifestyle and work, and observe your posture and gait; she may also carry out some diagnostic tests. Your diet and any recreational drugs (including caffeine and tobacco) will be noted, and you will be asked how you sit at your desk, what exercise you get, and even what kind of bed you have. The practitioner will maneuver you into various positions so that she can examine the functioning of your spinal column, joints, and muscles. You will be asked to stand, sit, or lie on a specially adjustable chiropractic table which enables even sufferers of severe back pain to be lowered from a standing position.
Treatment usually begins with your second consultation, after any diagnostic tests have been returned. The practitioner usually uses precise and well-controlled techniques known as "adjustments," although sometimes other, less forceful techniques might be employed, or gentle touch applied along the spine, skull, and pelvis.
Using her hands, the practitioner tests how the pelvis moves in relation to the sacrum (lower spine). These are linked by the sacroiliac joints, and further tests may be done on these and other spinal and pelvic joints.
Back pain is a commonly encountered health problem, and one with which chiropractic has demonstrated particular success. "Unlocking" a joint by using chiropractic adjustment is usually painless, and can bring immediate relief from pain and an increased range of movement for the patient. With any chiropractic adjustment, there may be an audible, painless "click" in the relevant joint. This is caused by a tiny gas bubble that is created when the pressure in the joint changes, as happens when it is suddenly stretched.
Surgery is never used, and if drugs or treatment other than chiropractic is considered necessary, such as in the case of severe inflammation, you will be referred to your doctor or a suitable specialist.
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