Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the health and proper functioning of the nervous system, which controls all body processes. This unique approach to wellness has a rich history and is backed by modern research, affirming its ability to enhance whole- body health.
The Origins of Chiropractic Care
The origins of chiropractic date back to 1895 when D.D. Palmer provided the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer’s first patient was a janitor named Harvey Lillard who had been deaf for 17 years after feeling something “give way” in his back. Palmer examined Lillard and found a vertebral subluxation, which he corrected with an adjustment.
Astonishingly, the next day, Lillard’s hearing was restored. This event marked a significant milestone and demonstrated the profound impact that spinal misalignments can have on the nervous system and overall health.
Chiropractic Care and the Nervous System
The nervous system is susceptible to interference, often referred to as “vertebral subluxations”. These are misalignments of the spinal vertebrae. Chiropractors use adjustments to correct these subluxations, effectively removing interference to the nervous system. By optimizing the functioning of the nervous system, chiropractic care can have widespread health benefits, enhancing overall well-being.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Modern research confirms the ability of chiropractic care to influence the nervous system and whole-body health. Studies show that chiropractic adjustments can help with various health issues:
Digestive disorders: Chiropractic care effectively helps with colic, reflux, infantile colic, and ear infections, likely by improving gut-brain communication via the vagus nerve.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A pilot study found that six weeks of chiropractic care significantly improved pain and quality of life in IBS patients, potentially by reducing spinal stress and improving vagal tone.
Asthma: Chiropractic care shows clinically important improvements in lung function and quality of life in asthmatics. The adjustments likely reduce nerve system stress.
Ear infections: A study found chiropractic adjustments reduced ear infection episodes by half compared to standard medical care alone. Improved nerve system function enhances immune resistance.
Fertility: Chiropractic care, in combination with acupuncture and herbal remedies, helped women with infertility who had failed other fertility treatments. Reduced nerve stress improves reproductive function.
Migraines: Migraine sufferers experienced significant improvement after receiving chiropractic care targeting the cervical spine. The adjustments likely reduce spinal nerve irritation.
The first chiropractic adjustment by D.D. Palmer in 1895 restored hearing by removing interference to the nervous system, and modern research continues to confirm the profound influence chiropractic care has on whole-body health.
Contact Information
For more information, visit our website at www.cenkihsc.com or call us at (412) 967-9767.
References
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. “Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2020.
Hug, Reginald. “50 Years of Accomplishment: The American Chiropractic Association Celebrates Its 50ths Anniversary in 2013.” ACA News, January/February 2013.
History of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Lefebvre R, Peterson D, Haas M. Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2012 Dec 28;18(1):75-79.
Salehi A, Hashemi N, Imanieh MH, Saber M. Chiropractic: Is it Efficient in Treatment of Diseases? Review of Systematic Reviews.
Levi JR, Brody RM, McKee-Cole K, et al. (2013). Complementary and alternative medicine for pediatric otitis media. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 77(6), 926-931.