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A popular form of alternative medicine being practiced around the world today is called chiropractic care. It is a field of medicine focused on the diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal systems, with particular concern for the condition of the spine. Physicians in this field practice under the belief that disorders of the musculoskeletal system can and will affect a nervous system and therefore, the overall health and wellness of a person. This type of care is sometimes categorized under the label of complementary alternative medicine, or CAM.

Manual therapy is the most used technique in this field of medicine. This typically involves some type of manipulation to the soft tissues, joints and spine. Additional treatment such as counseling and exercise may be recommended. In general, all treatment forms are considered relatively safe if they are performed by a certified physicians. However, as is the case with any form of medical treatment, complications may develop.

Chiropractic was formed during the 1890s and has expanded since then. Chiropractors can be classified as straights or mixers. Straights believe in vitalism, innate intelligence, and spinal adjustments. They put great emphasis on subluxations, as they believe this is the cause of all disease. Contrastingly, mixers are open to the many techniques used in medicine and popular views that are held. Ice therapy, exercise, and massage are often recommended by these chiropractors.

Chiropractic, though always controversial, is established in Canada, United States and Australia. It is the largest health profession, after the fields of medicine and dentistry in the United States. The field may be grouped with other medical professions such as osteopathy, physical therapy, and massage therapy. Individuals experiencing lower back pain often seek out this type of care.

Chiropractors are individuals who work in this field. They may also be called chiropractic physicians are doctors of chiropractic. Their goal is to treat disorders that impact the musculoskeletal system, without use of surgery or medicine. In fact, these doctors are not licensed to write prescriptions or preform surgery. New Mexico is the first state in America to allow trained chiropractors to prescribe certain prescriptions. In some locations, physicians are able to perform acupuncture and homeopathy therapies, lab tests, diagnostic procedures, and dispense supplements.

Spinal adjustment is the most commonly used in this field. Techniques in which the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, manipulate, massage, or stimulate the spine is called spinal manipulative therapy. There are different adjustment methods that can be used.

There are varying opinions regarding the effectiveness of this type of treatment, despite it being the largest field of alternative medicine in the United States. There are some health problems in which the consensus for this effectiveness of this type of treatment has not been reached. For instance, radiculopathy, whiplash and other neck pain, headaches, extremity conditions such as shoulder pain, and other conditions.

The practice of chiropractic care began in the 1890s. Since then, it has developed into a popular practice in the alternative medicine field. It has been considered controversial because it offers strategies other than medicine and surgery to heal. The verdict is still out on whether it is effective in treating some conditions. The practice is predominately focused on maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. This is because the belief is that this can impact wellness of an individual.