Saturday Quack - Chiropractic

Chiropractitioners are experiencing a constant growth in their business. And often they have moved away from their origins - spinal manipulative therapy (SMT); SMT has real value in relieving back pain and improving the range of impaired spinal motion, at least temporarily.

The word chiropractic literally means "done by hand." The term came from Daniel David Palmer, who had an intense interest in metaphysical health philosophies such as magnetic healing and spiritualism. In 1895, he claimed to have restored the hearing of a deaf man by manipulating the man's spine. Palmer theorized that nearly all disease was caused by spinal subluxations (partial dislocations), which press on spinal nerves, stopping their function, and leading to disease. He taught that one need only correct the subluxations to liberate the body's own natural healing forces.

Today, chiropractic has extended far beyond even Palmer’s concept, so that “no touch” therapy is deemed possible by some practitioners. And it’s applied to almost any disease process known, or imagined. To demonstrate the extreme quackery of chiropractic, I can do no better than suggest you look at a PBS video (you should scroll down to the video ‘Adjusting the Joints’). If you have difficulties viewing this, you can learn a whole lot more at the Quackwatch pages called “Chirobase”.

Comments

[Michael]

I don't understand exactly what this post is about. I'm looking for back help - are you saying it's not worth it to go to a chiropractor?

[Robert Griffith]

Michael:
I thought the last paragraph of my post was pretty clear - if not, click on the two links provided. In a word "yes" - I'm saying it's not worth visiting a chiropractor for back pain. The likely risk (or expense) is greater than the likely benefit.
Bob G.

[Recovery]

Its funny but I recently found out the chiropractic is being used in drug treatment centers as a way for clients to reduce stress and become relaxed. I think I read an article on http://www.addictionsearch.com

[Nurse Michael]

I've seen many happy chiropractic patients. And if they're happy with the results and say their pain is reduced than their treatment is a success.
I'm not saying there aren't shysters out there, but that just means you need to do your research.

[Atlanta Chiropractor]

Chiropractic treatments are extremely effective if performed by the right doctor.

[Dr. John Schwartz, Medical Doctor]

Just as Medicine can be misunderstood so can Chiropractic, I have seen personally many hundreds of patient's recieve ecellent care and get above average results from Chiropractic Care, Two Thumbs up for Chiropractic!!!!