About Chiropractic
“Pressure on nerves causes irritation and tension with deranged functions as a result. Why not release the pressure? Why not adjust the cause instead of treating the effects? Why not?” – DD Palmer
Chiropractic works with the body's inherent ability to heal itself. The word chiropractic originated from two Greek words “chiro” meaning hand and “practic” meaning to do. Translated chiropractic literally means, ‘done by hand’. The principle of chiropractic was discovered September 18, 1895 by Dr. Daniel Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. D.D. Palmer was approached by a deaf janitor, Harvey Lillard, who explained that 17 years earlier while working in a cramped, stooped position, something had “popped” in his back and since that time his hearing had become progressively worse.
Upon examination of Lillard's spine, Dr. Palmer found a painful, misaligned vertebra at the spot where something had “popped” 17 years earlier. He suspected a connection between this misaligned vertebra and Lillard's impaired hearing. He reasoned that if the deafness appeared after the “pop”, and most likely the misalignment in his back, that correction of that misalignment would restore Lillard’s hearing. Using his hands, Palmer repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. This maneuver when performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) is now known as a chiropractic adjustment.
Lillard's hearing improved immediately. During the next few days, Palmer continued the hands on treatment of Lillard's spine. Within a week, Lillard was able to hear as well as anybody. He became very vocal about the success he experienced Dr. Palmer's hands on care. Dr. Palmer's fame quickly spread as he proved that the hand treatments were effective in all sorts of disease conditions. He became a world-renowned specialist in the spine and nerve system. His research into the cause of disease had led him to the conclusion that misalignment of the spinal column interferes with normal nerve function and thus, an alteration of normal body functions.
The spine is comprised of 24 moveable vertebrae (bones), its function to protect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that exit the spine, they serve as part of the pathway carry information from the brain to the rest of the body as well as from the rest of the body back to the brain. Vertebral subluxations interfere with that communication. Chiropractors perform the chiropractic adjustment with the intention of removing the subluxation allowing the body to heal itself and function at its optimal potential. This optimal level of functioning is different for each person, chiropractic looks at the individual.
Chiropractic and Kids
Very often subluxations first occur during the birthing process. Concerned parents often wonder if their child is as healthy as possible, though, many parents have never been educated on the vital importance of having their child's spine checked for the presence of subluxation.
There are specific elements essential to achieving overall health. Foundationally, though, the most imperative component is an optimally-functioning nervous system. The communication between the brain and the rest of the body must be at its best to be as healthy as possible. This communication controls the growth, repair and function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system within the body. A structurally-balanced, subluxation-free spine is a “must” on the journey of optimal health.
One can change the health of their son/daughter for a lifetime by making sure they are under the care of chiropractor and teaching the child the importance of a nervous system that runs subluxation-free and without interference.
- Make your children's first spinal exam
- as important as their first visit to the dentist.
- After all, the backbone of health begins
- the day you were born.