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.
On 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
Survey Says!
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.
Spinal Anatomy
The 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!

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

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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.

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.

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.

Some Great Products From Amazon.com
Chiropractic For Animals
Find out how your animal can benefit from chiropractic care.

Get Your Animal Chiropractic Gear!
Cute chiropractic pet t-shirts and bowls
Exclusively from Chiropractic By Design.

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Inspirational Quotes
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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
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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
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Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein
Reader Feedback
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LewesDE
Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:27 pm | delete
- Nice lens. Interesting reading!
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IsaiasValencia
Feb 7, 2012 @ 4:50 pm | delete
- Great composition, fantastic post!
Regards,
Austin chiropractor
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drguasque
Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:55 pm | delete
- Great lens congrats!! Have to spread the word!!!
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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!
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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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![Adjusting a Newborn [1] by Gardner Chiropractic](http://static.flickr.com/5219/5520252386_c32797c452_s.jpg)





