"Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment" (World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999).
Chiropractic was founded in 1895. It is based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. The spinal cord - the gateway of the nervous system - is protected by bones, specifically the skull and vertebra. When the vertebra lose their normal position or move improperly they irritate the nervous system. When the nervous system is irritated it is called a subluxation. Detection of a subluxation and correction by spinal manipulation can relieve nerve interference and allow the spine and nervous system to return to a healthy state.
