Chiropractic care is growing and becoming the primary care source for many Americans. It is also the largest alternative care profession in the U.S. The popularity may arise from the fact that it focuses on health and wellness, rather than disease. “Chiropractic is based on the premise that the body is able to achieve and maintain health through its own natural recuperative powers, provided it has a properly functioning nervous system and receives the necessary health maintenance components. These components include adequate nutrition, water, rest, exercise and clean air,” according to the American Chiropractic Association. (Acatoday.org)

The main focus of chiropractic is the spinal column and evaluating its alignment. Problems can cause a ripple effect of symptoms with the connected nerves, muscles, organs, glands, circulation and other tissues. The importance of the spinal column is recognized in the development of a fetus because it is one of the first parts of the body form after conception and provides a foundation for growth and health for the rest of the body.

Another contributor to the growth of chiropractic is its cost savings. A two-year study of data from 85,000 Blue Cross/Blue Shield insured patients showed a savings of 40 percent from chiropractic care when compared to that of care from a medical doctor. Chiropractic care is generally covered by health insurance and auto insurance.

The savings also relates to employers that may benefit from shorter disability claims and less absenteeism from employees with back-related problems and injuries. A 2011 study by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that injured workers had the fewest number of reoccurring injuries when they received chiropractic maintenance care.

A chiropractor’s education and training is similar to a medical doctor’s—usually include three to four years of college before entering a college of chiropractic, which involves four to five years of coursework and exams and two years of clinic practice for a doctor of chiropractic degree. Nutrition coursework is a part of chiropractic programs, but is not included for the medical doctors. A comparison study in MAC Journal showed an average 3,065 hours for chiropractic programs and 2,706 hours for medical programs. Some chiropractors also take postgraduate courses to develop a practice that assists the whole patient, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, because they are all seen as connected.

Three adjunctive modalities developed by chiropractors have accommodated additional progress to their profession.

Applied Kinesiology is a cost-effective, noninvasive, safe diagnostic method using muscle testing and the same meridian system used in acupuncture. It was developed by chiropractor Dr. George J. Goodheart, Jr. Applied Kinesiology is used worldwide in the fields of chiropractic, medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, acupuncture, psychology and others. A global nonprofit organization has been created providing education and research. (icak.com)

Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST) is an evolutionary technique which helps clear sympathetic and parasympathetic imbalances, as well as emotional and mental imbalances to optimize healing. This technique is used by many chiropractors, practitioners, and families for well-being. The Morter HealthSystem was created by a family of chiropractors now providing care, education and research worldwide. (Morter.com)

Touch for Health uses acupressure, touch and massage to improve energy in the body, provide balance and reduce stress. It was created by chiropractor John F. Thie and is now used and taught worldwide. (Touch4Health.com)

Sara Light is a freelance writer in Atlanta.