the body functions and its ability to heal itself; and
health and in the healing processes.
Although chiropractic shares much with other health care professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness.
Widespread Use of Chiropractic Care:
The increasing interest in alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapies.
A followup report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated
47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year.
Healthy Tips for a Healthy Spine:
The following tips can help you take better care of your spine:
1) Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine
aligned and supports the spine's natural curve. The best
sleeping positions are on your back or side, but not in the spin feta
position.
2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to
maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be
bent when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by
maintaining spinal curvatures and cushioning your weight.
3) Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Placing
a lumbar support in the lower portion of your back may help
support your spine's natural curve. Re-adjust the seat of your car so
that your knees are level with your hips.
4) When bending forward, bend at the knees and hips, but keep your
back straight. This will help to keep your spine's curvature in proper
alignment.
5) When lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do
most of the work. Hold the objects being lifted close to your body to
keep the weight on your spine to a minimum. Contracting your
abdoninal muscles will further support your spine.