What is Chiropractic? 7 Fast Facts

Link to Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 01:14 PM PST

Chiropractic care has become a common and recommended form of treatment for many ailments. It’s often covered by health insurance and the US government offers chiropractic care for members of the armed services; a licensed chiropractor is even stationed in the Capitol building! ^[1] Do you visit a chiropractor? If not, the following fast facts will give you a good reason to consider it.

1. What is Chiropractic?

With an emphasis on holistic healing, chiropractic treatments typically involve quick thrusts, or adjustments, to relieve pressure and stress and promote balance throughout the body. ^[2] ^[3] A syringe-looking device known as an activator may also be used. The practice as we know it today, which was was founded in 1895, was originally coined as “a science of healing without drugs.” However, the roots of chiropractic, also known as manual therapy, have been practiced all across the world for at least 2000 years.

2. Chiropractic is Real Medicine

In the 1990's, the chiropractic industry achieved professional autonomy and was granted statutory self-regulation. ^[4] Around 2000, a study compared chiropractic education to that of medical students and found the programs to have more similarities than differences — clinical sciences included. ^[5] Clearly, the US government echoes the benefits, for there is a chiropractor stationed at the Capitol for members of Congress.

3. Chiropractic is Worldwide

In the United States, spending on chiropractic care rose from 1996 to 2005. ^[6] That trend has continued. Healthcare expenditures for professional services, including chiropractic, totaled $76.4 billion in 2012, a 4.5% increase over 2011. ^[7] The industry is fully expected to continue its growth, especially because of increased health insurance coverage and offerings by the military.

4. There’s More Chiropractors Now Than Ever

The number of chiropractors in the US steadily increased until 2004, at which time nearly 53,000 were recorded. ^[6] During the following years, the total diminished slightly but a 2010 study projected an 18-20% increase over the next decade. ^[8] That’s just in the United States. Worldwide, chiropractors practice in over 100 countries and continues to grow. ^[9]

5. Chiropractic Can Help Back Pain

Chronic back pain is one of the most common, debilitating conditions. Sufferers are often desperately seeking relief. Although back pain can stem from many, many causes, many people generally responded positively to chiropractic care. ^[10] A review of studies from 2000-2010 noted that chiropractic care positively affects physical health and disability conditions. ^[11] Low-force chiropractic techniques are even safe and useful for geriatric patients. ^[12] In fact, persons suffering from chronic back pain who experience relief after the first visit typically report continued improvement over the following 3 months.

6. Chiropractic Improves Many Conditions

Chiropractic is beneficial for a number of ailments and conditions, including:

Pregnancy – Clinical studies have reported positive outcomes for pregnant women who used chiropractic services to address headache and heartburn. ^[13] ^[14]
Respiratory Health – Research has shown chiropractic to be effective at supporting respiratory health, especially for children. ^[15] ^[16] And, a study of older patients with COPD reported that spinal manipulation supported lung function. ^[17]
Colic – Research from the United Kingdom noted that manual therapy helped colicky babies. ^[18] ^[19]

7. Encourages a Healthy Doctor-Patient Relationship

When the Northwestern College of Chiropractic surveyed patients, 92% reported that chiropractic services produced improvement in their conditions. ^[20] Furthermore, the outcomes typically exceed patient expectations and many chiropractors report that patients improve quicker than expected. ^[21] Much of the success is due to the fact that chiropractors encourage an open dialogue to identify and establish treatment goals.

Is Chiropractic Right for You?

For decades, patients have reported success from chiropractic care; outcomes which are supported by modern, clinical research. But, as with all medical care, quality matters. Ask around and research local providers. Don’t be scared to visit with several in order to find the one who is right for you. Additionally, check with your health insurance. Many providers offer care coverage and may be able to steer you toward a good chiropractor.

Has chiropractic medicine benefited you? Please leave a comment below and share your experience with us!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM