Chiropractic was developed in
the 19th Century by Daniel D Palmer. It aims to diagnose and treat
disorders of the spine, joints and muscles with techniques of manipulation,
and to maintain the health of the nervous system and organs. Chiropractors
believe that when the body is in harmony it has the ability to heal
itself. When the skeletal structure functions smoothly, the body's
natural healing processes are free to keep the entire system working
Spinal misalignments are known to Chiropractors
as "subluxations" or "fixations", and not only
cause back pain, but affect the whole body. Many of the manipulations
practised by Chiropractors are similar to those used by Osteopaths.
Chiropiractic is the most widely
practised complementary health treatment in the West.