Chiropractic medicine is an approach that is derived from the Greek roots "
cheir," meaning hand, and "
praxis," meaning practice, and was formulated by the founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer (originally of Canada), to mean "
done by hand." The emphasis in chiropractic is on the use of physical manipulation or adjustments to correct misalignment of the spinal vertebrae and other musculoskeletal joints to improve the function of the related organs and musculature.
The main treatments used by chiropractic physicians are adjustments, or physical manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors also use heat and/or cold therapy, immobilization (with splints, for example), hydrotherapy, ultrasound, and massage.
Chiropractic treatments can help lower back and neck pain, as well as general musculoskeletal pain. It is less certain if they help headaches.
Chiropractic interventions are generally not effective for hypertension, immune function stimulation, enuresis or bed-wetting, chronic asthma, infant colic, and otitis media in children.
Chiropractic physicians receive training in the basic biomedical sciences, but with a greater emphasis on the spine and musculoskeletal system. Training occurs at an accredited school of chiropractic medicine over a period of four years and leads to the DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree. Chiropractic physicians are licensed to practice in every state in the United States, and chiropractic is one of the alternative medicine therapies most commonly used by the general public.
