Medical Malpractice

Modern chiropractic medicine was discovered by D.D. Palmer in the late 1800's. The word 'chiropractic,' stems from Greek, meaning, "hand practice," because the physician uses his hands to realign the joints of the body. Chiropractors are basically bone setters that focus on the joints of the spine. Ancient chiropractic was practiced in Egypt, Eastern Europe, and by acupuncturists in China over 5,000 years ago.

The layperson doesn't typically see assymetry in joints unless there is a serious injury or they've been neglected for some time. However, joint problems first manifest when we feel "tight" or "stiff," or realize asymmetrical loss in flexibility. These joint problems or restrictions are called subluxations. In the chiropractic profession, a subluxation represents a joint that fails to move properly. In other words, a subluxation is a "stuck joint." The allopathic definition is much more serious, but it is this, the chiropractic definition, that will be used for the remainder of this article.

Stuck joints cause a variety of problems. First of all, after cells use up the nutrition they receive from the blood, they have waste they discard as lymph. Proper joint movement is essential to "pump" blood and lymphatic fluids back toward the heart. Therefore, a subluxation impedes lymphatic and blood circulation in the area. Nutrition doesn't get into the tissue as easily and waste remains. The local tissue becomes depraved and more toxic.

Secondly, subluxations affect the spinal nerves which enter and exit between every vertebra. Nerve tissue is the most sensitive to trauma and toxic insult. Therefore, a spinal subluxation has a direct influence on the nearby nerve roots. These nerves go to muscle, bone, skin, glands, AND organs like the stomach, bowels, and gonads. This is how subluxations can cause visceral (organ) complaints like heartburn, constipation, and infertility.

When a patient has an infection, the chiropractic physician may adjust vertebra near nerves pertaining to the spleen or thymus. Once the brain can properly communicate with these organs, the body's natural defenses are empowered to fight the invading pathogen. After this conservative approach has been exhausted, should the problem persist, a necessary medical referral may then be given. This avoids unnecessary antibiotics, saving money, and maintaining proper flora.

When joints remain stuck, the forces of gravity and stress accumulate daily, physically and chemically altering the joint until: (1) it physically pinches the spinal nerves, causing tingles, radiating pain, and/or numbness, (2) causes chronic, low grade, un-relenting arthritic pain, or (3) degenerates and collapses. Situations 1 and 3 may require surgery if not given the proper chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractors are trained to safely restore proper movement to stuck joints. This is accomplished by positioning the patient in such a way as to target the specific joint and delivering a fast, shallow thrust. Frequently a crack, crunch, or pop is heard and felt by the patient. Almost immediately, proper circulation and relief follow.

Chiropractic care is extremely safe (as seen by extremely low malpractice insurance rates) and compliments a holistic approach incorporating nutrition, acupuncture, herbs, and homeopathy. Chiropractors do not prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or provide surgical intervention.

Medical doctors (MD, DO) are the best equipped for handling critical care, when big guns like emergency drugs or surgical intervention is required to maintain life, limb, etc. When a problem persists and is serious enough, go to the hospital or check with your medical professional. However, why try to kill a mosquito with a cannon? Wouldn't a fly swatter be a better approach for initial presentations such as aches and pains?