It is no secret that many opinions exist both in the community and health professions about chiropractic. Some view the profession with a degree of scepticism. These ideas about chiropractic are changing rapidly as more and more people understand how straightforward, effective and safe chiropractic is. Modern chiropractic is scientifically based, it gets superior results to conventional medical care for back pain, and it does so with a much higher degree of safety.
History of Chiropractic
The first adjustment was given in 1895 in Iowa, in the US. DD Palmer, who had been formulating his ideas about the spine and nervous system, adjusted a man named Harvey Lillard who had been deaf for seventeen years. Harvey had heard a click in his neck while working, and shortly after his hearing failed. After three or four adjustments to his spine, Mr Lillard was able to hear as well as before.
Over the years chiropractic has faced many challenges. At one time chiropractors were regularly jailed, just for adjusting patients' spines. They were charged with practicing medicine without a licence. Eventually it was shown in court that chiropractic and medicine have distinctly different philosophies, and from then chiropractors were free to practice.
In the 1960s the American Medical Association (AMA) in the US attempted to destroy the chiropractic profession. After eleven years in the US Supreme Court, it was found that the AMA had deliberately engaged in a campaign of misinformation against chiropractic. The purpose was to destroy the profession for financial and political reasons. It is also on the public record that the AMA thought that by attacking a "common enemy" it would improve morale and group spirit amongst its own members. The AMA even had a Committee against Competition, and the name was then later changed to the Committee against Quackery. Chiropractic still has a cultural bias in some sections of the medical profession despite its outstanding safety and effectiveness.
In 1979 a Royal Commission into chiropractic found that the profession had outstanding levels of safety and patient satisfaction, even way before we lived in the current climate of litigation where practitioners are even more careful.
As stunning as these revelations may seem, it is fortunate that in this day and age the medical and chiropractic professions work well together for the benefit of you, the patient. Each profession understand that the other has a vital and unique role to play in healthcare. The current climate is one of mutual respect.
Principles of chiropractic
If you agree that:
- Your body is able to heal itself
- Your brain controls your body functions
- It does so through your nervous system and spinal cord
- Your spinal cord and central nerve system is inside and around your spine
- Misaligned spinal bones (subluxations) can affect nerve function
then you agree with the principles of chiropractic. It really is that simple.
Chiropractors are experts in the science and art of detecting and correcting subluxations of the spinal bones. When spinal function is optimised, nerve function is too, because they are so closely related. As your nerves function better, it can improve your health.
Chiropractors do not claim to cure anything and everything, but we do claim, and have a very strong body of scientific and medical evidence, that you are better off having a well functioning spine and nervous system rather than not.
Chiropractic treatment
Most patients start chiropractic care for treatment of some sort of pain. Be it back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash or other pain, chiropractic can help. After the pain has been controlled, and the spine and nerves are functioning better, patients also start to tell us other interesting things, like they have more energy, they are sleeping better, they can think more clearly. These kinds of reactions are common. The vast majority of people get used to feeling healthier.
On a typical first visit, you will have a thorough case history taken. You can expect to have a range of physical examination tests done. You will have a biomechanical and functional assessment of each of your spinal joints; you will have a range of neurological and orthopaedic test done. Depending on the exam findings, you will likely have some sort of x-ray examination done.
Your doctor of chiropractic will review and explain all the findings in detail with you before starting treatment. He or she will explain what treatment is appropriate, how long it will take, what you can do for yourself, and what other options are available. Always ask as many questions as you want to feel that you are comfortable with what you will be doing, and the treatment you will be receiving.
Chiropractic Education in Australia
Chiropractors in Australia must spend a minimum of five years full-time education at university to qualify for registration. There are three different Masters degree programs available in Australia.
Subjects covered in the first few years include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, x-ray physics, histology, adjusting technique, and sciences such as biochemistry, physics and so on. In later years more clinical subject are covered such as pathology, microbiology, diagnosis and management, radiology, radiography, psychology, pharmacology, paediatrics and more.
Chiropractic student spend hundreds of hours in student clinic under constant supervision to ensure they graduate with highly refined skills and knowledge.
Where to find Your chiropractor
Always look for a member of the Chiropractors' Association Of Australia. Members of the CAA are required to adhere to the continuing education and ethical standards of the Association. When you choose a CAA member you can be sure that they have your best interests at heart. You can call the CAA in your state, or visit www.chiropractors.asn.au to find your nearest member. National Chiropractic Care Week is at the end of May each year.
Article courtesy of Lee De Coster, chiropractor. Lee is based in Leederville, Perth. For more information visit www.leedervillechiropractic.com.au.
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