CHIROPRACTIC - DEFINITION
Chiropractic is an independent branch of healthcare, which specialises in mechanical disorders of joints, particularly the spine. It works on the principle that a flexible and aligned spinal column leads to better health. It is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but a complementary discipline.
Chiropractic treats problems with joints, bones and muscles and the effects they have on the nervous system, hormonal and immune systems. These muscles, joints and organs of the body are controlled by the brain via the nervous system. The presence of a spinal misalignment, called SUBLUXATION, will interfere with this message path and has proven to have a negative effect on the body's function. Correcting these subluxations will aim to improve your body function, restore your health and reduce pain
Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints of the spine, cranium and limbs, improving mobility where signs of restriction in movement are found. This is an "adjustment".
Treatment is suitable for all - from newborn babies to the elderly, pregnant women and sports enthusiasts.
Chiropractic is a way to regain and maintain health. It is good for posture, for the immune system, for pregnancy, for children's health, for sporting performance, and pain relief. Chiropractic is, above all, preventative and that is the first step towards health.
Chiropractors are real doctors too. Most people think of a "real doctor" as their General Practitioner (GP) who prescribes advice and medicines and makes referrals. However, a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) are both doctors who have received a degree from a government accredited medical school or a Chiropractic college. From here on, each looks at health and healing from a different perspective.
| Medical Doctors | Doctors of Chiropractic |
|---|---|
| Sees the disease | Sees the person with the disease |
| Kills germs | Increases resistance to germs |
| Studies the blood | Improves nervous system integrity |
| Relies on drugs | Reduces causes of nerve interference |
| Treats symptoms | Treats causes |
Two very different philosophies, yet both have their place and time in the treatment of disease and injury.
