Have a Crack at Feeling Better: The Origins, Benefits, and Caveats of Chiropractic and Osteopathy

Chiropractic and osteopathy are two forms of manual therapy that have been used for decades to treat a variety of musculoskeletal ailments. While chiropractors focus on manipulating the spine, osteopaths take a more holistic approach, incorporating massage, manipulation, and other therapies into their practice. What are the benefits, and what are the possible risks associated with chiropractic or osteopathic treatments?

What Is Chiropractic?

The term chiropractic is derived from the Greek words ‘cheir’ (hand) and ‘praktikos’ (practical). It was first established in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer (D.D. Palmer), an American healer who believed that disease was caused by misaligned vertebrae in the spinal column that were interfering with nerve impulses traveling between the brain and the various parts of the body. Using his hands as well as mechanical instruments, he claimed to be able to correct these misalignments and restore health through a series of spinal adjustments. Today, chiropractic remains one of the most popular types of alternative medicine in North America, with some 70,000 chiropractors practicing across the United States alone.

Broadly, there are two types of chiropractors: those who practice straight chiropractic versus chiropractors who are known as ‘’mixers’.’ Mixer chiropractors tend to take a more holistic approach when working with clients, considering the various factors, such as diet and lifestyle habits, that could be affecting health outcomes, whereas straight chiropractors hew closely to the philosophy and methods of the founder of their profession, who insisted that disease is caused by misaligned vertebrae in the spine. Mixers tend to incorporate various forms of testing, usually neurological testing, into their practice to determine whether further treatment should be pursued for a particular complaint. Ultimately, mixer chiropractors provide a wider perspective – one that is more integrated into science-based, allopathic Western medicine – as well as a broader range of services than those who stick strictly to spinal-adjustment techniques.

What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy has a similar origin story. It was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, a physician, surgeon, author, and inventor. Still developed this form of manual therapy after experiencing a failed medical treatment when he served as an army medical officer during the Civil War. He believed that disease could be prevented or cured through manipulation of joints, muscles, ligaments, and organs using his hands-on methods. This is in contrast to the chiropractic approach, which originally focused solely on alignment issues in the spine. In contrast to chiropractors today, many osteopaths still incorporate herbal medicines into their practice, along with manual treatments such as massage therapy and stretching exercises.

The question you may be asking is how can these two complementary forms of therapy can help you feel better? Many people report feeling less pain after receiving chiropractic or osteopathic treatments; some even report improved posture or increased energy levels due to increased blood circulation throughout their bodies following treatment sessions. Additionally, chiropractors may recommend specific exercises or lifestyle changes, while osteopaths might provide advice on diet changes or postural improvement techniques, so you can stay healthy long-term without having to continually receive treatments from a practitioner. Both chiropractor and osteopath alike often use physical modalities like heat packs or ultrasound to relax tense muscles prior to treating them manually, adding an extra layer of comfort for patients who find traditional hands-on treatments uncomfortable at times.

Adjustee Beware

Chiropractic and osteopathy are generally safe forms of manual intervention when performed correctly by trained professionals. Still, it’s important to remember that chiropractic and osteopathy aren’t for everyone; there are potential risks associated with both forms of manual therapy if not performed correctly by certified practitioners who have satisfied training and licensing requirements set forth by state boards responsible for regulating healthcare professionals within each jurisdiction. 

For instance, if spinal adjustments occur too aggressively they can damage vertebral discs which could lead to serious health complications should they become herniated over time.  Similarly, if soft-tissue techniques aimed at loosening up tight muscles are performed too harshly, they may cause bruising and discomfort instead of relief. Do your research before selecting any practitioner for your needs.