Chiropractic, which loosely means “to treat by hand,” is a type
of manipulative therapy that has been practiced in the U.S. for
over 100 years. This discipline is based on the premise that
function of the joints and muscles of the spine can have a
profound effect upon health. Through a complex relationship with
the nervous system, problems with vertebral (spinal) joints can
result in local neck and back pain and even cause pain to be
felt in the head, arms, and legs (“referred” pain).
Chiropractors identify these problems in specific joints as
chiropractic “subluxations” or “joint dysfunctions.” (Note:
Medical doctors use the word “subluxation” in a different way,
denoting a bone that has nearly dislocated.) Instead of pain,
patients may sometimes experience a feeling of numbness, a “pins
and needles” sensation, dizziness, or a host of other unusual
manifestations. More controversial is the premise proposed by
chiropractors and other manual therapists that symptoms usually
associated with internal organs, suc