A chiropractor is a health care professional who specialises in the health and function of the spine and nervous system.
The principles that chiropractic is based on aren’t new.
In fact the ancient Greeks and other early civilisations used spinal adjustments as a form of healthcare. These principles were formed into a distinct approach to healthcare in 1895 in America by a man named Daniel David Palmer – D. D. Palmer. He opened a school two years later and the profession began to flourish and gradually spread around the world. There are now approximately 100,000 chiropractors worldwide with over 40 chiropractic schools in 16 countries.
With the main focus of chiropractic being on the spine, many people think chiropractors can only help with problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches. And while it’s true that chiropractors can often help people with pain, there is so much more to chiropractic than just treating pain. Chiropractic care is really about total health and wellbeing. It’s about helping people to feel great, and get the most out of life by functioning at their optimal potential.
The focus of chiropractors is on correcting dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal and nervous system, and pain relief. Chiropractors work towards restoring and maintaining normal spinal function, and encourage patients to make the necessary lifestyle choices to achieve this.
Chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical techniques such as spinal adjustments and manual therapy to address spinal health issues. They offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare and work towards restoring and maintaining normal spinal function without surgery or medication.
Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and they are qualified to advise patients on exercises, nutrition and lifestyle changes. Chiropractors work with other healthcare providers where needed.
Australian chiropractors are highly qualified healthcare professionals who study at university for a minimum of five years. They are also government registered and government regulated. Like all other registered healthcare providers, chiropractors must adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines.
A chiropractor’s education never ends. All chiropractors must undertake continuing professional development courses to refresh and advance their skills. This means chiropractors are constantly learning, keeping up-to-date with the latest research.
Visit your local ACA chiropractor for more information on how they can help improve your quality of life.
A great video to watch is Heidi Haavik’s – The Beginners Guide to Chiropractic, which you can view via the link below or on our website in the About Chiropractic section
Or if you are more of a reader, then have a go of Heidi Haavik’s – “The Reality Check”. A great read, as it is simple and will help you understand how chiropractic care can benefit in your everyday life.
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