Chiropractic Information

History

While reference to spinal adjustment is found in ancient Greek and Chinese literature, modern-day chiropractic began in 1895 when D.D. Palmer, a longtime student of anatomy and physiology and a practitioner of magnetic healing noticed the anatomical connection between spine, nerves and body function. Palmer reasoned that a problem in spine could be the cause bodily illness if the nerves could not communicate with the rest of the body. Palmer theorized that spinal bones could go “out of place” or “subluxate” and interfere with nerve transmission. This could be corrected by “adjustment”. D.D. Palmer believed that all living beings are endowed with “innate intelligence” which regulates all the body's vital functions as it flows through the nervous system. The primary role of the chiropractic, Palmer believed, was not to treat conditions but to remove nerve interference caused by subluxations. Then the innate intelligence could perform its role in maintaining health without the need of medication or surgery.

Palmer’s theory was developed at a time when medicine still had few effective drugs, no antibiotics and no standards of education or medical care. Since then, research has shown that while chiropractic treatment is by no means a “cure all”, the effect of the spine on the nervous system can sometimes have wide ranging effects.

For information on the history of chiropractic in Virginia, see the compilation from Joseph C. Keating, Jr., Ph.D., Litt.D. (hon). National Institute of Chiropractic Research in Phoenix, Arizona. (PDF)

Chiropractic Education

A minimum of three years pre-medical college studies is required for acceptance into one of the 16 accredited chiropractic colleges in the US. The Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC) is earned after an additional four years of study. The doctor of chiropractic is educated extensively in anatomy, physiology, pathology and diagnosis. As a primary care physician, the DC is trained to perform a diagnostic evaluation which may include a patient history and examination, clinical laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and evaluation of the spine and musculo-skeletal system. In addition to completing the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) curriculum, all chiropractic physicians must pass parts one two and three of the National Board Exam and in some cases a state exam. Some chiropractors take additional training and go on the attain chiropractic board certification in various specialties such as radiology, sports medicine, orthopedics and neurology to name a few. All Chiropractic colleges are regulated and accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. In the State of Virginia, doctors of chiropractic are regulated by the Virginia Board of Medicine. The board contains representatives of various health care professions and includes a DC.

Chiropractic Treatment

Generally, a visit to a chiropractic physician will include a case history, examination and in some cases, X-ray imaging. Most of the conditions chiropractors see are related to the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Research is ongoing as to what other health problems can be helped by chiropractic treatment but preliminary findings suggest a connection to a variety of non musculoskeletal conditions. No drugs or surgery are used.
Chiropractic practices vary in their emphasis. While some emphasize treatment of neck, back and musculoskeletal pain, some specialize in preventative treatment of the spine through periodic chiropractic spinal manipulation to assist in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Others may employ nutrition, biomechanical training, exercise, heat, electrical muscle stimulation, traction and other drugless methods.

Some common conditions that chiropractic physicians treat include: Neck pain, headaches, mid back pain, lower back pain, herniated or “slipped disc”, sciatica, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Virtually all chiropractors use the “adjustment”, also called spinal manipulation, to correct mechanical problems in the spine. There are a variety of methods to manipulate the spine but most involve a short “thrust” to the area of concern to restore mobility and function and bring relief. Sometimes the manipulation is accompanied by a painless “crack” sound as the vertebrae releases.

Chiropractic Recognition

Chiropractors are licensed in all fifty states. Chiropractic treatment is covered by Medicare, Federal Workers Comp, Auto insurance and most Major Medical Plans. The US Congress as well as many professional sports teams have a doctor of chiropractic on staff. Even the American Medical Association who formerly opposed chiropractic treatment states: “Manipulation has been shown to have a reasonably good degree of efficacy in ameliorating back pain, headache, and similar musculoskeletal complaints”.

Research shows that manipulation is both safe and effective resulting in fewer complications than aspirin. The majority of studies show that for low back pain in particular, manipulation is more effective than other forms of treatment such as medications. Those interested in reading more about chiropractic research may wish to visit the American Chiropractic Association’s research page: www.amerchiro.org/media/research/.

If you are with the media and would like more information about chiropractic in Virginia or chiropractic research, please contact the VCA at vcacentral@hughes.net.

News Releases

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National Chiropractic Month

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