The word chiropractic comes from Greek, meaning treatment by hand. Canadian Dr. Daniel Palmer brought the practice to North America. He believed that misaligned spinal vertebrae impinged on nerves exiting from the spine to various body parts, causing discomfort and disease.
Two double blind studies have showed that chiropractic manipulations produced better relief of low back pain than treatment in a hospital orthopedic department or by a family doctor.
A recent report commissioned by the Ontario government found that chiropractic management of low back pain was much more cost effective than medical management. Chiropractic treatment resulted in fewer complications and quicker return to work.
Modern day chiropractors receive four year post graduate training, including 4,500 hours of full time training in basic and clinical sciences. Chiropractors refer to other health care providers, if the condition is outside their scope of practice.
One in three persons in both Canada and the United States has had chiropractic treatment. There are sixteen accredited chiropractic colleges in the United States and one in Canada.
In a recent survey, three quarters of Canadians using chiropractors believed they are as competent in their field as doctors. Seventeen percent believed chiropractors are more competent.
To find a chiropractor in Canada, call the Canadian Chiropractor Association at 416-781-5656. In the United States, call the International Chiropractors Association at 703-528-5000 or the American Chiropractic Association at 703-276-8800.
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