What is Chiropractic?

Definitions of Chiropractic

A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.

(WFC Dictionary Definition – World Federation of Chiropractic, 2001)

A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation with a particular focus on subluxations.

(WHO Definition – World Health Organization, Guidelines on Chiropractic, 2005)

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

(ACC Definition – Association of Chiropractic Colleges, 1996)

The NMSK in a nutshell

The neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) system is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, cartilages, and the nerves serving them. Its main role is to provide structure, support, stability, and movement to the body.

The spine (formed by 33 vertebrae that interlock with each other) houses and protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and its function is to make a neurological connection between the brain and the rest of the body (like arms and legs), carrying information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again through the peripheral nerves (which exit the spinal cord through a space in between the vertebrae). Dysfunctions of the spine (eg. disc herniation, poor posture, trauma) often interfere with those nerves’ ability to transmit information.

Regular chiropractic checkups can identify NMSK dysfunctions and impairments, start the proper treatment (hopefully early enough to avoid major problems), and help to prevent many chronic conditions.