For years there have been skeptics and proponents alike discussing the topic of whether or not chiropractic treatment is a viable alternative to traditional western medicine. The practice of chiropractic began in 1895 and still, the chiropractor controversy rages on.
Today the state of Florida has one of the largest populations of chiropractors in the nation coming in third behind California and Texas. What makes this method of treatment so popular?
The Origins of Chiropractic
The practice started when a grocer and ‘magnetic healer’ named D.D. Palmer performed a ‘chiropractic adjustment’ to a deaf man. The patient supposedly regained his hearing after the adjustment and Palmer went on to make claims about his new treatment for health problems.
The development of chiropractic as a profession was due largely to the work of Palmer’s son, Bartlett Joshua (B.J.) Palmer. When D.D. Palmer was in a train accident that nearly took his life, his son convinced him to teach chiropractic to others so that the practice would not be lost. B.J. studied under his father and took over the school that his father started in Iowa. B.J. promoted the profession widely gaining the title of “Developer” of the discipline.
Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Many people have experienced relief from nagging back pain through chiropractic adjustments. Sciatic nerve pain, which can have a debilitating effect on a person’s mobility, is often successfully treated through chiropractic care.
In fact, for some, chiropractic care has been so effective that it has become their main source of health care and traditional medicine is secondary. Reputable chiropractors inform patients when the symptoms presenting are beyond the scope of chiropractic care; however, many aches and pains people experience can be helped through adjustments. This is particularly true with back issues.
Chiropractic adjustments free up energy in the body so that the self-healing powers of the body can work as they were intended to work. There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that patients have had great success in achieving mobility when they were told that it would minimal or non-existent. People with certain conditions who have been on drugs for pain have been able to eliminate those drugs after a few visits to the chiropractor.
Chiropractic Care Does Not Cure Everything
While manipulation of the musculoskeletal system can provide relief for many discomforts, it does not cure all ailments. Some medical doctors work along with chiropractors to offer patients holistic care which addresses issues more suited to traditional medicine when manual adjustments are not appropriate for treatment. It is still advisable to have a primary care physician to ensure that all bases are covered when it comes to your overall health care; however, enlisting the services of a reputable chiropractor can be a healthy move as well.
Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Going to see a chiropractor is, in many cases, considerably less expensive than a medical doctor. Depending on the type of health insurance you carry, you may have a co-payment. Chiropractors do not use drugs to cure problems. They often suggest natural remedies to help resolve a pain issue and they will tell you what you can expect with treatment.
Many health insurance plans now cover chiropractic care as well as medical care. Usually, a referral is not necessary for most major health insurance companies.
You can find a well-qualified, licensed chiropractor by checking the website of the American Chiropractic Association. You can also ask family members and friends or colleagues if they could make a recommendation. Be sure to read reviews. Make sure the chiropractor you choose is licensed and chooses to participate in continuing education.
Being healthy and staying healthy is important. The attorneys at Frolich, Gordon & Beason encourage our clients, friends, and neighbors to make healthy choices with lifestyles and with health care. We also encourage you to make good choices involving legal representation also. We specialize in personal injury law and in business litigation. When you need representation in these areas, give us a call. Your first consultation is on us. We proudly serve the southwest area of Florida including Port Charlotte, North Port, and Englewood.