Chiropractic is a health care discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure and function and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

Chiropractic care also places an emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health. While chiropractors do not use standard medications or surgery, Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

In most cultures there exists much written evidence lending credence to the existence of some form of spinal manipulation. The earliest literature of the practice of chiropractic can be traced as far back as ancient China. In 500 BC, Hippocrates wrote extensive literature regarding body massage and its effect on improving health. In the late 1800’s Daniel David Palmer, who studied physiology, anatomy and practiced magnetic healing, has been credited with founding the modern practice of chiropractic. The first chiropractic college in the nation, Palmer School was named after this founder. Chiropractic is now licensed in every state and more than thirty countries around the world.

In 1992, the American Medical Association was ordered by a court to accept chiropractic and recognize it as a reputable treatment for patients with a wide variety of health conditions. Today, chiropractors and medical doctors cross-refer and enjoy greater collaboration than at any time in history.

Content last modified on Sep 12, 2006