Chiropractic - by Michael Gross, D.C.

 

 

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his

patients in the care of the human frame (spine), in diet and in the cause

and prevention of disease”.                                                                                            -Thomas Edison

Very often I am asked by friends and potential patients to explain chiropractic in a straightforward and understandable way. Before understanding the concept of chiropractic, one must have a basic understanding of the history of chiropractic and basic spinal anatomy.

 

The actual profession of chiropractic- as a distinct form of health care- dates back to 1895 when Daniel David Palmer discovered the specific spinal adjustment. Prior to this however, some of the earliest healers in the history of the world understood the relationship between health and the condition of the spine. In addition to this discovery D.D. Palmer was credited with developing the philosophy of chiropractic which forms the foundation of the profession today. D.D. Palmer's son Bartlett Joshua Palmer is credited with developing chiropractic into a clearly defined and unique health care system.

 

Now let’s discuss some basic spinal anatomy. The spinal cord is housed and protected by the spine, made up of 24 moveable vertebrae. Each vertebrae has the general shape of a person’s ring. The rings (vertebrae) are stacked one on top of another forming a vertical tunnel. The brain controls the whole body via the spinal cord.  The spinal nerves are like the electrical wiring in your house, but as it relates to the body, these spinal nerves control many bodily functions including, but not limited to immune function, organ function, breathing, etc.

 

Quite simply, chiropractors try to help the body heal itself naturally without the use of drugs or surgery. To accomplish this we adjust or realign the individual misaligned vertebrae of the spine to remove pressure or interference on the affected spinal nerve(s). Chiropractors call this pressure or interference on the spinal nerve(s) a chiropractic subluxation. The foundation of our profession was initially based on the idea and concept that if you reduce or remove these chiropractic subluxations, the nervous system  will function more efficiently, hence heal itself better and keep you healthy.

 

There are many different chiropractic techniques used today by chiropractors to adjust the spine. Some techniques are performed by hand and /or instrument but all are equally effective if performed properly. In my opinion, you should always try to stick with techniques that are taught in the core curriculum of CCE (Council on Chiropractic Education) accredited chiropractic colleges.

 

Past and current research has proved the effectiveness of chiropractic care. It is my hope that more people will consider chiropractic as a natural health care option now and into the future.l

For more information or a chiropractic evaluation, call Michael Gross, D.C.,
508-336-2663.

 

Disclaimer: Never self-treat or diagnose any health related condition. Diagnosis and treatment of all health related conditions should always be left up to the appropriate licensed health care professionals.

 

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