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A Brief History Of Chiropractic The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored. Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a popular health care choice. Chiropractic Philosophy The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts: 1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself; and 2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes. Although chiropractic shares much with other health 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. 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. Readjust 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. 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. The ABCs of Articular Joint Dysfunctions Articular Joint Dysfunctions are displacements of bones, often spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress to your body, spinal cord or nervous system. These Joint Dysfunctions may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the birthing process itself. Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting Articular Joint Dysfunctions throughout the body and restoring optimal health. More than just Back Pain! In addition to superior care for lower back problems, research has shown Chiropractic to be very effective in treating Neck pain, Headaches, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, fibromyalgia, and even Infantile Colic. Keep in mind that the "big idea" in chiropractic is to treat problems in the SPINE, which can affect the nerves leading from the spine and cause symptoms and conditions that seem unrelated to the back. Talk to your Doctor for more specific information. Patient Satisfaction Ask any Chiropractic patient and they will usually tell you great things about their Doctor. Recent studies have shown that 96% of Chiropractic patients are satisfied with thier care. We use a "hands-on" approach to health care and treat the CAUSE of your problem, not just the symptoms. There is a reason that millions of people use Chiropractic - because Chiropractic works! The Tennessee Quality Award The mission of the Tennessee Quality Award, now known as The Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, is to promote and accelerate the economic well-being and quality of life within the State of Tennessee by influencing the setting of standards for performance excellence; fostering the awareness of the value of meeting and exceeding performance excellence criteria; recognizing significant accomplishments of organizations committed to achieving performance excellence; and sharing winning strategies and best practices among organizations in the State and beyond. For further information refer to our links page for their official website.