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Chiropractic medicine has always carried along its fans and critics. Often people think of it as a “new” type medicine. Although not new it does offer alternatives to traditional medicine that can be most beneficial.

History

What is chiropractic medicine? Chiropractic medicine in general is the manual manipulation of joints and muscles to decrease misalignment, stiffness and atrophy. Now there are other modalities used in addition to the hands to assist in the overall outcome. These could be ice, heat, electrical stimulation to name a few. Chiropractic began in 1895 by Dr. Daniel D. Palmer and the patient’s hearing was restored. Chiropractic treatment has been available in Utah at least as early as 1923 when Utah passed the Chiropractic Law. It has been present ever since.

Why Use Chiropractic?

Chiropractors can help some injuries to the spine and neck in a non-invasive manner. Since everything in the body is connected some way through the brain and spinal cord, there is evidence that an impingement here or a herniation there can indeed affect different areas of health. Releasing the pressure can improve the patient’s overall health. Traditional chiropractic care is becoming more widely accepted.

Acceptance is Growing

In Utah, even the well known Brigham Young University takes a doctor of chiropractic medicine with the football team on the road with them. The initial assessment and first aid in a serious football accident can be critical. Alternative medicine methods such as chiropractic care are being more widely accepted as people in general become more educated. People seem to be more comfortable receiving information, weighing it for themselves and deciding if it will work for them. That’s progress!