1. What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health (World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999).

Chiropractic is the second largest primary health care profession, surpassed in numbers only by practitioners of medicine in the USA, Australia and Canada. Chiropractors are trained with a strong background in sciences, a deep understanding of chiropractic philosophy, and specific techniques. They are also primary practitioners as medicine and dentistry, so they can provide diagnosis, chiropractic treatment and referral to other health professionals without a prior medical referral. In numerous studies, doctors of chiropractic have been shown to be among the most patient-centered health care providers.

Chiropractors focus on the relationship between structure and function in the human body. Abnormal function of the spine may cause a compensation that can result in minor displacements or derangement of one or more vertebrae, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots directly by pressure. These irritations may be due to work accidents, falls, overexertion, poor posture, incorrect lifting, lack of rest or exercise, obesity or other injuring mechanisms. These can also be caused indirectly by poor nutrition, bad hobbies or tension. Chiropractors restore normal spinal mobility, which in turn alleviates the irritation to the spinal nerve. Chiropractic care is natural, safe and effective in treating injuries and diseases, and in promoting better health and a healthier lifestyle. Doctors of Chiropractic sometimes use physiotherapy as an ancillary treatment, but do not prescribe medication or surgery.