Chiropractic
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a well-known, and very popular, complementary and alternative medicine therapy, which is practiced widely in the United States and abroad. It was created by a self-taught, Canadian-born healer named D.D. Palmer who opened the first school of chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1897. Chiropractic has matured greatly since then and is now practiced in more than 100 countries.
Can chiropractic help people with cancer?
Yes. Chiropractic can be very helpful at relieving a variety of chronic medical conditions. It has well-established, proven value in treating back, neck, and shoulder pain, particularly when caused by misaligned vertebrae, which can occur in response to chronic stress, accidents, or injuries.
Chiropractic alone is not a proven treatment for cancer, nor has it been found to affect either cancer cells directly or the biology of an individual’s disease. It should not be used as a substitute for conventional care.
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic treatments vary, depending on the patient's condition and the type of approach taken by the individual practitioner. A fundamental component of chiropractic care, however, involves establishing proper alignment of the vertebral column through spinal adjustments. Many, but not all, chiropractors use conventional x-rays to help assess the overall health and alignment of the spinal vertebrae. In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractic sometimes includes other interventions, such as the application of heat and electrical stimulation of the soft tissue. These modalities are intended to restore proper function of the vast network of nerves that extend from the spinal cord to all the organs of the body.
Chiropractic physicians are licensed professionals who undergo a rigorous, multiyear academic and clinical education and training. Their goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by promoting good nutrition, healthy lifestyle, musculoskeletal strength and integrity, and positive thinking. It is always wise to ask therapists about their credentials and training before working with them.
Are there any risks or complications associated with chiropractic?
Yes. Despite its many benefits, chiropractic should be used with special care by cancer patients who may have bone metastases. Be sure to find a well-trained and fully credentialed chiropractor if you wish to explore this modality. As with other complementary and alternative modalities, discuss the use of chiropractic with your physician before proceeding.
How can I find a qualified chiropractic physician?
It is important to select a practitioner who is qualified, experienced, properly credentialed, and trustworthy. Click here to learn more about how to do this.</</body>