User:Sticky Parkin/Chirolead

Chiropractic (from Greek chiro- χειρο- "hand-" + praktikós πρακτικός "concerned with action") is a complementary and alternative medicine technique that focuses on attempting to diagnosis, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects these disorders may have on the functions of the nervous system and general health. It is primarily a manual therapy including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation. The chiropractor may also prescribe exercises, and give health and lifestyle counseling, if they consider it would be beneficial in an individual case. Chiropractors usually obtain one of the following equivalent first professional degrees in chiropractic medicine: D.C., D.C.M., B.Chiro or M.Chiro.[2][3][4]

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by D. D. Palmer in the USA, and is practiced in more than 100 countries.[6] Since its inception, chiropractic has been the subject of some controversies, both within the profession and in the medical and scientific community, particularly regarding the beliefs espoused by its founders and advocated by "straight" chiropractors today,[7][8] such as the belief in subluxations (explain what these are,) which is not one held in conventional medicine. These criticisms may have encouraged some within the profession to emphasize primarily a neuromusculoskeletal approach in their educational curriculum, with scientific terminology rather than the metaphysical explanations of their predecessors.[9][10] The principles of evidence-based medicine has grown in prominence and have been used to review research studies and generate practice guidelines.[17] Chiropractors have historically fallen into two main groups, "straights" and "mixers,"(explain briefly what they are- is it about whether they incorporate other CAM techniques?)

Chiropractic has increased in popularity.[16] The patient-physician relationship and hands-on treatment patients receive can increase their satisfaction with treatment, as in other complementary therapies. The efficacy of chiropractic treatment has not been rigorously proven, nor has its cost-effectiveness in maintainance treatment. Chiropractic care is generally safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. Other issues such as vaccination remains controversial within the chiropractic community, as within the CAM community as a whole.