I.How was chiropractic discovered?
Chiropractic was discovered by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. D.D. was a self-proclaimed magnetic healer, using his hands to restore the energy flow of the body. There was a janitor in his office building that had not been able to hear for approximately seventeen years.
One day he offered to help the janitor, Harvey Lillard, if he could. D.D. palpated Harvey’s spine and found a bump on his neck. Harvey explained that he had “heard a snap” one day while bending over and then the bump appeared. D.D. placed his hands on the bump and gave a thrust. Harvey’s hearing was restored and chiropractic was discovered
II. How does chiropractic work?
A person’s spine is made of twenty-four bones called vertebrae. At the top of the spine is the skull which houses the brain or master computer. From the brain, the nerve impulses travel down the spinal cord (which is protected by the vertebrae.) Nerves branch out between the vertebrae and travel to all areas of the body. A person cannot take a step without the brain telling the body to move. When the vertebrae become misaligned or “out of place,” they put pressure on the nerve. This is called a “subluxation.” The message from the brain is slowed down and the life energy carried by the nerve is unable to reach the organs and tissues at 100% of its potential. A chiropractor aligns the vertebrae through gentle adjustments to the spine, relieving the pressure on the nerve and allowing 100% of the nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves.
Back pain, neck pain and headaches ere three of the most incapacitating conditions suffered by the majority of people. They are usually not life threatening, but they are devastating to the quality of life for those afflicted. Chiropractic has played an important role in the treatment and management of these conditions. Many people are confused about what chiropractic is, what doctors of chiropractic do, and how chiropractic care can help their condition.
