Expert: Dr. Kevin D. Kanz - 4/23/2006

Question
Hi. I am currently enrolled in an advanced physics 11 class (grade 11 in highschool), and am currently stumped on how physics relates to chiropractics. I understand how some of it is related, but cannot find a lot of information on it online. Would you please be able to lend me some of your expertise on the subject? And could you please reply to this ASAP?

Thanks,
Alex Brown

Answer
Dear Alex,
Chiropractic (Greek: done by hand), is essentially the clinical application of biomechanics (biological physics) to effect human structure, form and function as it relates to the disease process, specifically degenerative disease, trauma and segmental spine dysfunction. Chiropractic health care is essentially a system of mechanical applications that effect the function of the human neuromusculoskeletal system. The following is a brief explanation and some helpful links.  Hope this helps...
~Dr. K

Try this link to the Chiropractic Biophysics Society:
http://www.idealspine.com

Also, here is a brief outline of chiropractic health care and some additional informational links:

<http://www.cce-usa.org/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf>

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts focused on human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider people as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biomechanical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, and emotional and environmental relationships.

The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, and most specifically the spinal column. Included is the treatment of abnormalities to address functional disorders.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and does not include pharmaceuticals or surgery. Chiropractic manipulation is one of several established forms of treatment used for back problems. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment options, manipulation is receiving much more widespread attention. Chiropractic manipulation, also frequently called the chiropractic adjustment, is the form of manipulation that has been most extensively used by Americans for the last one hundred years.

Satisfied chiropractic patients already know that DCs are uniquely trained and experienced in diagnosing back problems and are the doctors most skilled in using manipulation for the treatment of back pain and related disorders (source: American Chiropractic Association). Chiropractic doctors are also highly skilled performing and interpreting diagnostic proceedures as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation treatment options. World class medical and research institutions such as The Texas Back Institute, Bethesda Navel Medical Center and The Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders provide access to chiropractic care and employ chiropractic physicians.

Additional links:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos071.htm
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/ahcpr/uschiros.htm
http://www.fcer.org/
http://www.chiro.org/
http://www.acatoday.com
http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Conditions.shtml