THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE
THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE
In the history of treating pain, chiropractic care is a relatively new treatment option. Chiropractors began practicing roughly 125 years ago. That may sound like a long time, but since medicine has been evolving since before the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids, it's a relatively short time. Because of its interesting origins, many people regard chiropractic care as pseudo-medicine. Don't be scared off by the idea that chiropractic treatments aren't "real medicine." Chiropractic care has received widespread acceptance as a scientifically established treatment for joint pain and other injuries, thanks to a growing understanding of the process, the results experienced by patients, and scientific interest in the process.
Most medical practices we know, like, and trust today began on shaky ground. Medical professionals believed that ailments and diseases were caused by disruptions in energy, or life-force, that flowed throughout the body. Many medical practices made use of religious imagery. It was also believed that a person's blood simply sloshed around inside the body. Thankfully, with the help of artists and scientists, the medical profession and our understanding of the human body have improved. Medicine has come a long way since leaches were the greatest treatment option. Understanding the human body and how it works, combined with scientific advancements that allow mapping and imaging of the human nervous and skeletal systems, has literally brought us out of the dark ages. This new light and information have also pushed chiropractic care a long way from its religiously-based origins to a sound, scientifically-backed treatment option for individuals seeking pain relief without medications or surgical intervention.
The Beginning
Chiropractic is derived from the Greek word "chiro," which means "hand." Daniel David Palmer founded chiropractic healing methods and ideals in Iowa in 1895. Palmer started as a magnetic healer. He claimed that God inspired the adjustments and the process of healing ailments through chiropractic care. He kept his methods as family secrets when he started his career. As time passed and his popularity increased, he decided to share his knowledge with others. He established the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1989, with Palmer's son Bartlett Palmer among the first students. Bartlett eventually took over the school and expanded its enrollment. Bartlett is also praised for embracing new ways of injury diagnosis and introducing tools into the school's curriculum in addition to hands.
Bartlett encouraged using imaging techniques such as x-ray and thermal imaging with a device that he invented. Many purist chiropractic practitioners were quite critical of the Neurocalometer. Bartlett was first hesitant to include technology and instruments into his practice. However, his growing interest helped him understand the value of imaging and the better diagnosis of injuries being treated.
Modern Chiropractic
Fortunately, chiropractors are now specially trained and licensed across the country. They are also gaining acceptance from their peers in the medical field. It is now more common than ever for your family doctor to advise you to seek chiropractic care for an injury.
Modern chiropractors provide a wide range of treatment and diagnosis options. Many offices even have their imaging facilities, so you don't have to go elsewhere for x-rays. Following your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor will discuss treatment options. Massage or manual adjustments with his hands to correct your neck, spine, or joints are likely options. Other treatments may require using electric pulse machines, which use low voltage pulses to gently massage the muscles, helping release stress and reducing inflammation.
Gaining Status
Chiropractic healing, like most new discoveries, took some time to gain credibility. Many of the earliest chiropractors were sued and sometimes imprisoned for practicing medicine without a license. Chiropractors were not given formal licensing until 1913 in Kansas. It took 61 years for all fifty states to allow licensing statutes for chiropractic care. In 1974, Louisiana became the final state to accept chiropractors and license them.
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in interest in the scientific study of chiropractic therapy, which benefits overall care and treatment understanding. Established clinical guidelines have greatly improved chiropractic care over several decades. Today, strict guidelines and heavily regulated schools teach aspiring chiropractors. A chiropractor must have 7-8 years of university-level education. They must pass the same board exams that medical students do. A minimum of one year of residency under a licensed chiropractor is also required before the student can become a fully licensed practitioner in their practice.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN OMAHA, NE
Many people in the Omaha, NE area use chiropractic care as part of their overall healthy living routine. Learning more about chiropractic and determining if it suits you is a good first step toward living a pain-free, healthy life. Call Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic now to find out how chiropractic adjustments might help you.
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