The term “Chiropractic” combines the Greek words Cheir(hand) and praxis (practice) to describe a treatment done by hand. Hands-on-therapy especially adjustment of the spine.
An analysis of the use of complementary health approaches for back pain, based on data from the 2002 NHIS, found that chiropractic was by far the most commonly used therapy. Among survey respondents who had used any of these therapies for their back pain, 74 percent (approximately 4 million Americans) had used chiropractic. Among those who had used chiropractic for back pain, 66 percent perceived “great benefit” from their treatments.
Chiropractic use hands-on Spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, the theory being that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine will enable the body to heal itself without surgery.
Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues, such as cartilage ligaments and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
Many people who seek chiropractic care have low-back pain. People also commonly seek chiropractic care for other kinds of musculoskeletal pain such as neck, shoulder, headaches, and extremity such as hand or foot problems.