Chiropractic Health & Wellness

What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the science based on the philosophy that all human function is controlled by the nervous system. The spinal cord (part of the nervous system) is covered by 24 movable bones (vertebrae), which can malfunction, lose motion, or become misaligned.

Chiropractors refer to this as "subluxation" of the vertebrae. Subluxations can irritate and interfere with the nervous system. This results in abnormal function and eventually disease. Abnormal spinal function can go unnoticed for years, creating damage and limitation of activity. Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal malfunction and the art of correcting them, which allows the body to heal naturally.

The first chiropractic patient
Modern chiropractic began in 1895 when Dr. D.D. Palmer performed the first chiropractic "spinal adjustment" on his deaf janitor, Harvey Lillard. Lillard's hearing returned and Palmer thought he had discovered a cure for deafness. But as patients with digestive troubles, sciatica, menstrual troubles, migraine headaches, epilepsy, heart problems, back pain and many other conditions responded to spinal care, Palmer realized that he had discovered something more far-reaching indeed. Palmer also realized that his discovery was not new, as he wrote: "I am not the first person to replace subluxated vertebrae, for this art has been practiced for thousands of years."

Useful links with more information

American Chiropractic Association

International Chiropractic Association