Chiropractic  is  a discipline that alleviates imbalances, acts positively on pain syndromes and on the neurophysiological effects related to static and dynamic disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Let’s find out better.

>   1. What is chiropractic

>   2. Benefits and contraindications of chiropractic

>   3. For whom chiropractic is useful

>   4. The law in Italy and abroad

>   5. Chiropractic facts

What is chiropractic

Chiropractic traces structural problems of the body to imbalances between joints and nerves and in particular those involving the spinal column , which are capable of generating dysfunctions in our organism, especially in the central and peripheral nervous system.

The spinal cord, the main communication path of the nervous system, transmits the orders given by the brain to the rest of the body.

A disturbance in the spine can interfere with the nerves exiting it. The term for this misalignment or blockage is called ‘ subluxation ‘.

This can give rise to various symptoms such as back pain, neck pain , headache, shoulder pain, paraesthesia in the limbs, sciatica and various other discomforts, more or less serious. These symptoms can be caused by this ‘crushing’ or interference with our nerves upon exiting the column, radiating towards the rest of the body. 

The main difference that distinguishes chiropractic from other health professions is the so -called adjustment maneuver . The fundamental point is the conception according to which the restoration of the correct state of the spine is able to lead the body to self-healing .

Born in the United States in the late 19th century, the art of chiropractic has long been hampered by academies of traditional medicine. According to a US estimate, chiropractic is now one of the most popular natural healing methods in the world, the third largest health profession in the United States by number of practitioners.

Benefits and Contraindications of Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has a positive effect on disorders of the musculoskeletal system, common disorders caused by microtrauma, stress and an incorrect lifestyle. The chiropractic manipulation relieves the states of pain, allowing the abandonment of pharmacological therapies .

However, before undergoing such treatment, a patient will need to ensure that the chiropractor they are referring to has a degree from a university recognized by the WFC or the ECU. Often, unskilled practitioners improvise chiropractors, endangering the health of prospective patients, while also damaging the image of chiropractic.

Who is the chiropractor and what does he do?

For whom chiropractic is useful

You can go to a chiropractor at any age and with different purposes and ailments to treat. Sportsmen improve muscle performance, but patients suffering from back pain, neck pain, dizziness, asthma, anxiety and depression also benefit .

The elderly , through chiropractic, are able to maintain greater joint mobility, avoiding anti-inflammatory and consequent unwanted effects. Chiropractic adjustments, performed by qualified chiropractors , are safe, effective and useful in case of acute lower back or neck pain that often also involves muscle spasms. Following adjustment, the patient immediately recovers some of the mobility and experiences a noticeable decrease in pain. 

Chiropractic adjustment is extremely effective in cases of neck pain, when the nerves are involved resulting in pain, paraesthesia and weakness in the shoulders, arms and hands. By correcting the vertebrae associated with the neck , these upper limb disorders can be minimized or eliminated.

This is also possible in the case of many headaches where the real cause lies in an irritation of the nerves and muscles of the neck . In addition to bone and muscle problems, chiropractic is effective in resolving situations such as asthma, gastritis, constipation and, sometimes, menstrual pain. 

The law in Italy and abroad

For those wishing to undertake the path that leads to the specialist degree in Doctor of Chiropractic, great passion and above all a spirit of sacrifice is required. To this must be added the availability and the possibility of studying abroad . As things currently stand, the future Italian chiropractor has only one path ahead of him: to attend a foreign university recognized by the CCE.

The six years of studies also include an internship period to be carried out in university clinics that use chiropractic methodologies. Since December 2007, chiropractic has also been recognized in Italy. The legalization of the chiropractic profession , promoted by chiropractors since the foundation of the Italian Chiropractors Association, came with the inclusion of an amendment in the 2008 financial law.

The Italian Chiropractors Association, founded in the 1970s, today estimates 250 members, of which only 60 are of Italian origin.

Chiropractic  facts

The birth of this new discipline has a very specific date and place, namely September 18, 1895 in Davenport, Iowa, United States. A testimony of the time reports that Daniel David Palmer placed his hands on an irregular protrusion of the spine of a certain Harvey Lillard and thanks to a powerful push he reduced the irregularity.

After Palmer’s surgery, Mr. Lillard claimed he could ” hear the noise of the wagons in the street “, which he could not do before the treatment.

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