Patient Builders, Inc. - What Is Chiropractic?

What is it?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body).

"Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, which means, "effective treatment by hand."

Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health.

The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:

the structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself; and
the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes.

Chiropractic Philosophy includes:

	emphasis on patient recuperative abilities rather than surgery
	recognition that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health
	understanding the cause of illness in order to eliminate it, rather than simply treat symptoms
	recognition of the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with the capacities of the human body
	balancing benefits versus risks of clinical interventions
	recognition of the primary importance of monitoring progress closely through appropriate diagnostic procedures
	a patient-centered, hands-on approach focused on influencing function through structure
	focus on early intervention emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are wholly functional and reversible

Chiropractic focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a relationship between patients and their environment which is most conducive to functional well-being.