Chiropractors

Chiropractic care, specifically spinal manipulation, has been a popular solution for people dealing with neck and back pain, even for those who have experienced traumatic births. The practice, which involves chiropractors checking the spine for misalignments and manually adjusting them, has been passed down through generations in some families. The experience is described as quick and focused, unlike a massage, with the goal being to pop the spine back into place. Many people, including the Sorry family, have reported feeling more relaxed muscles and less grindy necks after visits. While not a new concept, the discussion highlights the enduring appeal and potential benefits of chiropractic care for managing pain.

Chiropractic care, as practiced by professionals like those at Cleveland University Kansas City, can provide relief from back and neck pain for people of all ages, including infants. This approach, which originated over a century ago, has been passed down through generations and is backed by scientific research. However, it's important to note that not all chiropractic practices are created equal, and potential risks should be considered. The story of chiropractic care begins with Daniel David Palmer, a man from Davenport, Iowa, who is considered the founder of the profession. Palmer believed that misalignments in the spine could cause health issues and that manipulating the spine could restore proper function and alleviate pain. His methods were met with skepticism, but Palmer's success stories and dedication to his craft helped chiropractic care gain traction. Carl Cleveland, a chiropractic third-generation practitioner and president of Cleveland University Kansas City, shared his family's rich history in chiropractic care. Growing up, he saw firsthand the positive impact it had on his own family and countless others. Today, Cleveland University continues to lead the way in chiropractic education and research, ensuring that the profession remains grounded in science and effective in treating pain.

D.D. Palmer, the Canadian founder of chiropractic medicine, began his career as a magnetic healer in the late 1800s but switched to chiropractic after encountering a deaf janitor with a hump on his back. Palmer believed that the spine was the key to health, and he thought that misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, could cause various health issues by obstructing the flow of nerve energy. He named his new practice "chiropractic," which means "done by hand," and it focused on spinal manipulation. Although the origins of chiropractic are rooted in spiritual beliefs, it has gained credibility in modern medicine. The American College of Physicians now recommends spinal manipulation as a treatment for neck and back pain. Today, chiropractors continue to use the term subluxation, although its definition varies, and they believe that regular spinal check-ups and adjustments can promote overall health and prevent future issues.

While the studies on chiropractic spinal manipulation for back and neck pain are considered low quality, there is evidence suggesting that it can be helpful. Anita, a researcher, found that people with neck pain who underwent multiple sessions of spinal manipulation reported less pain than those who took medication. Additionally, spinal manipulation was found to be more effective than medication in one study after a year. Anita uses spinal manipulation in her clinical practice, often in combination with exercises, due to the limited options for treating such pain in mainstream medicine. The American Chiropractic Association encourages chiropractic care for children, and it's one of the most common forms of non-traditional medicine used for them according to the National Institutes of Health. The manipulation process is gentle and involves adjusting the spine, typically through a combination of massage and gentle movements. Despite the low quality of the studies, the potential benefits make chiropractic care worth considering for those dealing with back and neck pain.

While some chiropractors believe in the benefits of chiropractic care for children, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support this claim. The UK General Chiropractic Council conducted a report several years ago, concluding that there isn't enough evidence to suggest taking kids to chiropractors. However, some chiropractors, like Carl Cleveland III, argue that children can benefit from chiropractic care due to the traumas they experience during their daily lives. Despite this belief, more research is needed to provide concrete evidence. It's essential to remember that hoping for evidence is not the same as having evidence. Katie's parents shared their experience, admitting they were once skeptics but got "sucked in" by the chiropractor's persuasive methods. It's crucial to question and seek reliable sources of information before making decisions regarding your child's health.

The belief in chiropractic care being effective for various health issues, including back and neck pain, asthma, and high blood pressure, is largely based on outdated theories and lacks solid scientific evidence. The concept of misaligned spines and subluxations, which is a cornerstone of chiropractic care, has been debunked by scientists and researchers. According to neurophysiology professor Marcello Costa, there is no good evidence that manipulating the spine can cure diseases such as asthma or even that subluxations physically exist. Instead, clear-cut medical conditions affecting the spine, like a slipped disc, should be addressed through proven medical treatments. The persistence of these outdated beliefs among some chiropractors is concerning, as it can lead to unnecessary treatments and potential harm to patients.

While chiros may not be fixing subluxations as they claim, they can still help alleviate back and neck pain through various means such as triggering pain receptors, reducing muscle tension, or simply providing a placebo effect. However, there are risks. Spinal manipulations can result in temporary pain worsening, headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Rarely, more serious complications like bone fractures, dislodged blood clots, or artery tears can occur, or even lead to death. It's essential to be aware of these risks and consider the benefits before deciding to visit a chiropractor.

While chiropractic care can help alleviate back and neck pain for some individuals, it carries the risk of serious injuries, including death, which are rare but not entirely unheard of. The scientific evidence supporting chiropractic care is limited, and some claims made by chiropractors, such as the existence of subluxations and the idea that spinal alignment is essential for overall health, lack solid evidence. It's important for individuals to approach chiropractic care with a critical mindset and consider the potential risks and benefits. The decision to seek chiropractic care should be based on an informed understanding of the science and the potential risks involved.

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