Chiropractic Medicine is a regulated health care profession performed by chiropractors who are licensed practitioners with a 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) college/university degree. Chiropractic Medicine is a field of complementary and alternative medicine in which manual therapy is used to treat patients without the use of surgery or medications. In manual therapy, chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the spine, muscles, and joints to re-align the body to promote healing and health. The specific focus of chiropractic practice is to treat joint dysfunction. When the skeletal joints are neither aligned nor in proper position, then physical limitations, disability, pain, or illness can occur. Therefore, the chiropractor performs Spinal Manipulation Therapy and manual therapy of the joints and soft tissue in order to restore stability to the body to promote healing.
Many controlled clinical studies of chiropractic treatment have been conducted. The World Health Organization stated that overall, chiropractic treatment is safe when performed by a skilled, licensed chiropractor. However, it is important for the patient to discuss one’s complete medical history with the practitioner to determine which chiropractic treatments may benefit the patient and what possible risks and cautions need to be considered.
DISCLAIMER: Persons having conditions and/or receiving treatments that may pose a risk to participating in complementary therapies should obtain medical clearance from their physician prior to partaking in these services. Please consult your medical physician if you have any condition or concern that might place you at risk for harm.
Chiropractic
