How Chiropractic Care Has Helped People Through the Ages

Although you may not have ever tried going to the chiropractor in Pelham, that does not mean that it is a new concept. Chiropractic care has a long history in the United States as well as other countries around the world. In fact, the first chiropractor practiced all the way back in 1895, in a midwestern town. From these humble American beginnings, chiropractic care has grown to one of the most popular alternative treatments in the world. Read on to learn more about how chiropractic care has become more accepted in the mainstream.

Who was the Very First Chiropractor?

The first healer on record to believe in the healing power of spinal manipulation was Daniel Palmer in Iowa in the late 1800s. Palmer had tried other methods of healing common ailments and sicknesses, including magnetic healing, but once he realized that the spine was so connected to other parts of the body he became more interested in that. He began practicing chiropractic care on family friends and a growing number of patients. As word of how he could heal others started to grow, he taught his son and then began teaching his methods to others. Many people were initially skeptical of the power of this kind of treatment, especially because Palmer and his son mixed the teaching of their craft with religion.

Throughout the early 1900s, chiropractors were met with disdain and even persecution, but as knowledge and acceptance grew, so did the number of patients who believed in the treatment. Palmer and his son taught many interested students the practice and the number of patients who found relief grew and grew. By the year 1930, more people than ever were training to be chiropractors, and more patients were seeking chiropractic care for conditions like hearing loss and back pain.

How Does Chiropractic Care Work?

Chiropractic care works to solve problems in the body through manipulation of the spine. The spine is connected to many parts of the body, so when one portion is out of alignment, regular movements and daily life can cause back and neck pain. A misalignment can result from a long-term issue, like bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle. But it can also occur because of a sudden impact, like a sports-related injury, car accident or hard fall.

There are also issues that you may not realize stem from misalignment. When the spinal column is out of alignment, it can cause symptoms throughout the body, not just the back. Some of these symptoms might include headaches, blurred vision, shoulder pain and hip pains.  Patients might have trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and problems doing regular activities they enjoy.

As chiropractic treatment progresses, patients may find themselves referred for additional treatments to complement the effects, such as massage, physiotherapy and exercise with a professional. These treatments can help to strengthen key muscles around the spinal column that hold things in place or strengthen key support muscles around the stomach and neck areas. Muscular weakness in these areas can contribute to pain and other issues. With the key muscles toned and in peak shape, the main components of the spine can stay in place and stable.

Are Chiropractor Visits Covered by Health Insurance?

Within the United States, chiropractors are considered doctors, but unable to prescribe medications for patients.  For this reason, you may see a chiropractor along with a doctor for severe back pain or debilitating issues. Many medical insurance plans include a form of coverage for chiropractic care. If you happen to have a plan that doesn’t cover visits to the chiropractor in Pelham, but you have a health savings account, you can use this to cover the costs you might incur when you visit.

If you are ready to see what visiting a chiropractor in Pelham can do to help you, Mckenna Family Chiropractic is here for you. Contact us today to make an appointment and find a solution to your pain once and for all.