Chiropractic

A branch of complementary and alternative medicine known as chiropractic focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical problems of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those that affect the spine. It has its roots in esotericism and is founded on a number of theories that are considered to be pseudoscientific.

A great number of chiropractors, particularly those who practised in the early days of the profession, have advanced the theory that mechanical disorders of the joints, and particularly of the spine, can have an effect on an individual's overall health, and that receiving regular manipulation of the spine, also known as spinal adjustment, can improve an individual's overall health. The primary treatment method used in chiropractic care is known as manual therapy. This kind of therapy focuses primarily on the manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues. Other treatment methods, such as exercises and counselling on health and lifestyle, may also be utilised. Even though they may have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and be referred to as "doctor," chiropractors do not have the title of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Despite the fact that many chiropractors see themselves as primary care physicians, clinical training in chiropractic does not satisfy the prerequisites for such designation.

With the potential exception of chiropractic manipulation being used to treat back pain, there is no evidence that chiropractic manipulation is useful, according to systematic reviews of controlled clinical trials of therapies utilised by chiropractors. According to the findings of a comprehensive analysis of 45 systematic studies published in 2011, spinal manipulation is not useful in treating any ailment. The outcomes of spinal manipulation for acute low back pain were inadequate, however it may be cost-effective for sub-acute or chronic low back pain. There is no convincing evidence to suggest that regular chiropractic maintenance therapy is an effective method for preventing symptoms or disorders.

The chiropractic profession is quite highly developed in the countries of the United States, Canada, and Australia. There is a degree of overlap with other manual therapy professions such as osteopathy and physical therapy. The majority of patients who see chiropractors do so because they suffer from low back discomfort. Chiropractors are trained to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as back and neck discomfort; however, many also treat conditions unrelated to the musculoskeletal system. There are two primary schools of thought within chiropractic: "straights," who are now in the minority, emphasise vitalism and "Innate Intelligence," and consider vertebral subluxations to be the cause of all disease; and "mixers," who make up the majority and are more open to mainstream views and conventional medical techniques, such as exercise, massage, and ice therapy.