Chiropractic Health Care

Ranked #7,208 in Healthy Living, #122,789 overall

What's The Big Idea?

With all the health care options in today's highly-advanced world, you might be surprised to know that millions of people have chosen chiropractic, the largest drug-free health care profession in the United States. From the history of chiropractic to chiropractic and animals, I've compiled a wealth of information and resources on this lens. If you'd like to learn even more about other aspects of chiropractic, check out my other lenses, or visit www.chiropracticbydesign.biz

The History of Chiropractic

Though the chiropractic profession celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995, various forms of spinal manipulation have actually been practiced for thousands of years. The earliest mention of manipulation as a healing procedure is in the ancient Chinese manuscript, Kong-Fou, said to have been written about 2700 B.C. The Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetans, the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, and Hindus, as well as the Aztecs and Incas, all practiced spinal adjustment.

D.D. PalmerOn September 18, 1885, Daniel David Palmer, in a now famous incident, gave birth to modern chiropractic. Harvey Lillard, a maintenance man, related Palmer that he had lost his hearing 17 years earlier when he had heard something "pop" while working in a twisted position. Palmer examined him and located a vertebra that was apparently displaced. Using the spinous process of the vertebra as a lever, he repositioned the bone into its proper place. Lillard's hearing improved immediately, and within a week had almost fully returned.

Palmer went on to develop his new discovery which he named chiropractic. The word "chiropractic" comes from the Greek words "cheir" (hand) and "praktos" (to do, use); literally translated into "to do by hand." "I am not the first person to replace subluxated vertebrae, for this act has been practiced for thousands of years," said Palmer. "I do claim, however, to be the first to replace displaced vertebrae by using the spinous and transverse process wherewith to rack subluxated vertebrae into normal position, and from this basic fact, to create a science which is destined to revolutionize the theory and practice of the healing art."

Soon thereafter, D.D. Palmer's son, Dr. B.J. Palmer took over the research and development of the practice of chiropractic, and spent his entire life studying and analyzing the spine in search for the cause of dis-ease. He reasoned that since nerves control the entire body, and that the 24 movable bones of the spine exist to protect the spinal cord from damage, that the misalignment of these bones could cause dis-ease.

What Is Chiropractic?

In a nutshell, chiropractic helps your body to work better and feel better!

Many people experience chiropractic as a natural drug-free way to help their body work better and feel better. For example, a little boy who no longer suffers from ear infections may tell you: "Chiropractic is for my ears." A young woman may tell you: "Chiropractic is for menstrual problems." A hard-working man may tell you that chiropractic is for his "bad back." Still, others may tell you that chiropractic is for digestive problems, asthma, back or neck pain, colds, headache, sciatica, neurological problems, colic, bed-wetting and many more conditions to which the flesh is heir.

It won't be only talk of disease, however. People also visit their chiropractor for more energy, for improved sports performance, for feeling more alive, for better resistance to disease and to help ensure drug-free lives for themselves and their families.

So, what do chiropractors do? Chiropractors remove a serious interference in your life and health - vertebral subluxations - which prevent you from functioning at your best. Free of vertebral subluxations, you are more balanced with less stress on your nervous system and body structure. Free of vertebral subluxations, you can better tune in to your inner resources of life, health and healing.

Definition of Health

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - Dorland's Medical Dictionary

Cute Chiropractic Commercial

I'd love to see this on TV in the US!

Chiropractic Commercial
by ExpandingPractice | video info

41 ratings | 35,813 views
curated content from YouTube

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Five Popular Chiropractic Techniques

Technique can refer both to the type of chiropractic analysis (x-rays, physical examination, etc.) and the type of chiropractic adjustment (manipulative therapy) used. There are a wide variety of chiropractic techniques in use today, and many chiropractors will use more than one. The following techniques are currently taught in most chiropractic colleges.

  1. Diversified Technique
  2. Gonstead Technique
  3. Thompson Technique
  4. Upper Cervical/Specific Chiropractic
  5. Activator Methods

Spinal Anatomy

ap and lateral spine viewsThe human spine consists of 24 movable vertebrae, the sacrum and coccyx. Although they are individual vertebrae, the spine functions as one organ, upon which the structure is dependent for support and movement.

The cushions between the vertebrae are called discs. Discs help absorb shock, reduce friction, and facilitate movement.

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that extend down the spine from the brain, and exit through openings in between the vertebrae. From the spine, these nerves form the very complex network which influences every cell, organ, and system in your body.

Back Saver Men's Wallet

Don't let your wallet throw your spine out of alignment!

Back Saver Wallet

Because of its unique construction, the Back Saver Wallet will still hold all of your essentials, but be 50-60% smaller and always fold flat. It's easy to slip the Back Saver Wallet into a front pants pocket, shirt pocket, or carry in a jacket. Two interior and two exterior compartments will carry up to 24 cards and the gold plated spring clip holds bills conveniently and securely without taking up space. This makes it easy to organize your cards and reduce wallet clutter. The Back Saver Wallet is made from the highest quality full-grain leather, making it extremely strong and durable. Rather than wearing out, full-grain leather develops a natural patina, growing more beautiful over time. Says Tom Lehman, Champion Pro Golfer, "I love these fine leather goods. The Back Saver Wallet from TPK is made from the highest grade leather and are useful and better by design."

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex

The Silent Killer

Falls, accidents, poor sleeping positions, bad posture, junk food, chronic anxiety, emotional stress, overworking, sitting for hours, drug use, emotional shock, poor diet, little or no exercise, and childhood traumas such as a difficult birth, falling off of subluxationa bicycle etc. can result in minor displacements, or subluxations of one or more of these vertebrae, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots either directly or indirectly.

Chiropractic teaches that this spinal nerve root irritation or pressure, in the form of the vertebral subluxation complex, may cause malfunction in your body. This malfunction can ultimately lead to a state of dis-ease within the body, causing it to function at a less than optimal capacity. For some people this may cause symptoms like chronic headaches, and for many others, there may be no symptoms.

Regardless, you should be sure to have your spine checked for subluxations. Chiropractors are the only trained health professionals who specialize in the detection and correction of the vertebral subluxation complex.

Educational Chiropractic Links

These sites effectively demonstrate chiropractic principles.

Chiropractic Professional Organizations

International Chiropractors Association
The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is the world's oldest international chiropractic professional organization.
ACA - American Chiropractic Association
The ACA is the leading national association representing Doctors of Chiropractic.
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing awareness of the family wellness lifestyle.

Informative Chiropractic Articles

From my del.icio.us! bookmarks.

Pregnancy and Chiropractic


Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a great way to stay healthy, help the body adjust to the ever changing postures as pregnancy progresses, and helps to ensure a healthy labor and delivery.

Get a Great Night's Sleep with Tempur-Pedic Mattresses

Did you know that your body repairs when you sleep? Quality sleep is important!

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses

Tempur-Pedic Mattressesicon - Your mattress is one of the most important pieces of furniture you'll ever own. Relax The Back's Tempur-Pedic mattress is made with NASA-developed Visco elastic material. This temperature-sensitive material provides customized support.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses conform to your body, relieving pressure points and helping you get a great night's sleep. In fact, studies show that the Tempur-Pedic mattress reduces tossing and turning by 83 percent.

You can try the mattress for 90 days, risk-free. And since there are no inner springs to worry about, Tempur-Pedic beds are maintenance-free. You don't even need to flip or turn the mattress, and it's guaranteed to perform for 20 years. Relax The Back

Chiropractic Maternity T-Shirts

Available exclusively from Chiropractic By Design.

Future Chiropractor On Board Maternity T-Shirt  Proud Chiro Wife Maternity T-Shirt  Love My Chiro Maternity T-Shirt

Chiropractic and Children

"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree." - Korean Proverb

My children received their first chiropractic adjustment within minutes of being delivered. They are rarely "sick." But, even when they are, they bounce right back, without the need for antibiotics or other drugs. Kids need chiropractic too!

The following links provide more information on chiropractic and children:

Chiropractic Stickers For Kids

Exclusively from our Zazzle Store

Cute stickers for your pediatric chiropractic patients, available in 2 sizes, $5.95 per sheet, with bulk discounts! Browse our selection of awesome images or upload your own. Small stickers are the perfect size to stick on a note, and make easy gifts for kids to collect and trade.


  • 1.5" in diameter.

  • 20 small stickers per sheet.

  • High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing.

  • Scratch-resistant front, easy peel-and-stick back.

  • No minimum order.

Dinomite Patient Stickers Groovy Chiropractic Stickers My Spine Is In Line Dinosaur Chiropractic Stickers Star Patient Stickers Chiropractic Health Care Stickers Chiropractic Is For Every Body Stickers Chiropractic Hands and Spine Stickers Chiropractic Hands & Spine Sticker
See all chiropractic stickers!

Chiropractic Backpacks

Chiropractor Recommended and Endorsed by COCSA

AirPacks Ergonomic Backpacks
Stop backpack injury, patented design shifts load to lower body. Physicians recommend that students carry no more than 15% of their body weight on their shoulders and backs, yet studies show younger students are lugging as much as 40% each day. Airpacks come in 3 sizes (Small #3300 - $49.95, Medium #4300 - $54.95 and Large #4500 - $59.95) in an assortment of colors. Ergonomic design features include: patented lumbar air cushion and wider, foam cushioned straps, adjustable both top and bottom with slide strapping that adjust side-to-side to help maintain correct ergonomic support. Additional features include: padded haul handle, a large interior compartment(s) for heavier books and other necessities, a large front pocket with organizer for notebooks, pens and pencils (even a handy key keeper, CD player pocket and headphone port), a front zipper pocket, two side bottle pockets and a detachable cell phone/mp3 holder. Medium and Large have built in padded laptop compartments.

Chiropractic Baby Gifts

Exclusively from Chiropractic By Design.

Well-Adjusted Baby (Fair) Infant Bodysuit Chiropractor In Training Bib Chiro Hands & Spine Infant Bodysuit

Chiropractic Pictures on Flickr

Summer 2011 Graduation by Life University
IMG_7493_1 by Dr vinnie
Panama Government Certificate 2002 by planetc1
Adjusting a Newborn [1] by Gardner Chiropractic
No Mas Dolor by {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}
Business Owner by planetc1
2010-05-01_520 by Asbestos Bill
Schofield Chiropractic Arizona by planetc1
Damon West Darrel Crain by planetc1
Moore Chiropractic Family by planetc1
automatically generated by Flickr

Some Great Products From Amazon.com

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Chiropractic For Animals

Find out how your animal can benefit from chiropractic care.

Pets with a spine need only apply. My apologies to worms and other invertebrates...

Get Your Animal Chiropractic Gear!

Cute chiropractic pet t-shirts and bowls

Exclusively from Chiropractic By Design.

Chiro - It's Not Just For People Dog T-Shirt Chiropractic Paw Prints Large Pet BowlChiropractic Paw Prints Dog T-Shirt

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Inspirational Quotes

  • The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. - Thomas Edison
  • You never know how far reaching something you may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow. - Dr. B.J. Palmer, Developer of Chiropractic
  • Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein

Reader Feedback

  • LewesDE Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Interesting reading!
  • IsaiasValencia Feb 7, 2012 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    Great composition, fantastic post!
    Regards,
    Austin chiropractor
  • drguasque Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:55 pm | delete
    Great lens congrats!! Have to spread the word!!!
  • Tipi Dec 1, 2011 @ 1:25 am | delete
    Chiropractic is important for whole body health care and it seems to finally be getting the respect it deserves at least partially in the health care industry....education is helping and this article does so nicely!
  • SheWritesaLot Nov 27, 2011 @ 10:12 pm | delete
    Very informative lens. I've always been afraid to visit a chiropractor but this lens helps a lot. Thank you.
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by

chirobydesign

I am a full-time chiropractic wife (my husband is a third-generation chiropractor), office manager, chiropractic practice consultant, and mother to 2 amazing... more »

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