Chiropractic

Long tradition of chiropractic 

Based on widespread practices of antiquity that were rediscovered and scientifically substantiated in the United States in the 19th century, chiropractic did not gain recognition in Europe and Switzerland until the mid-20th century.

Antiquity and the Roman Empire

Chiropractic as we know it is not quite as old as mankind, but the treatment of joints is. In fact, this method of treatment was widespread early in China, Egypt and Greece. As early as the time of the Roman Empire, Galenos of Pergamon used this therapy to help gladiators get back on their feet.

19th century

The scientific era of chiropractic began a little more than a century ago with Daniel David Palmer (1845-1913). While Louis Pasteur was researching the role of certain microorganisms in the development of infectious diseases in Europe, D.D. Palmer was rediscovering the benefits of manipulative correction for misaligned vertebrae in the Midwestern United States.

It is still not known where this researcher got his knowledge, possibly through contact with Indian healers. However, he found out that the importance of the spine goes beyond its function as a support of the body. Since it forms the transition between the central and peripheral nervous systems, it plays a crucial role in health balance: disturbances in the mechanics of the spine can affect the neurological system, and if the spine does not perform its function, there will be disturbances in the information transmitted by the nervous system.

This theory was further elaborated by the son of the founder, Bartlett Joshua Palmer (1882-1961). At the end of the 19th century, the Palmers finally established chiropractic in the sciences by founding the "Palmer College of Chiropractic" in Davenport, in the state of Iowa, the first research and teaching institute.

Zurich's pioneering role in the 20th century

In the 1920s, the first Swiss moved across the Atlantic to the sober rooms of Palmer College in the USA. With a degree in hand and back home, the new doctors successfully cared for patients who had failed the usual treatments. Word spread and the method developed so rapidly that politicians ultimately decided to approve the treatment method, despite skepticism from the medical association at the time.

A chiropractor from Lucerne, who had even been sentenced to prison for practicing his healing art, was greeted with a triumphant reception when he left prison. The initiative petition of January 22, 1939 in Zurich, carried out after a passionate and biting campaign, resulted in the authorization of chiropractic.

Thereafter, the practice of the healing method was gradually allowed in other cantons and spread throughout Switzerland. Finally, on July 5, 1962, the petition of the patients' association Pro Chiropraktik, submitted with 394,390 signatures, was successful and chiropractic was recognized as a compulsory health insurance benefit.

Chiropractic treatment options

Chiropractic treatment aims, among other things, to break the pain cycle by restoring joint mobility. It corrects the dysfunction in the affected vertebral joint, thereby reducing the abnormally increased flow of nerve impulses to the spinal cord. The affected muscle thus regains its usual amount of impulses and its basic tension normalizes. This improves muscle function, reduces abnormal strain, and decreases irritation and inflammation.

Systematic anamnesis

A prerequisite in any treatment is a thorough anamnesis. In addition to the usual orthopedic, rheumatological and neurological examination methods, chiropractic also uses specific examination procedures, such as static and dynamic palpation of the musculoskeletal system. Recommendations, especially regarding posture and gymnastic exercises, are part of the treatment.

Like any therapy, chiropractic has its limitations, and knowledge of these (contraindications to chiropractic treatment) is an integral part of clinical training.

Treatment of joint blockages

Chiropractors have a variety of manual techniques to correct joint blockages and improve mobility. The principle is to apply precise and finely measured manual impulses to the joint, respecting its physiological limits, to release the blocked contact surfaces and thereby restore and improve joint mobility.

A cracking sound is usually produced during the treatment. Impressive, but painless: When the joint blockage is released, a negative pressure is created between the two bony parts, causing certain components of the joint fluid to change to a gaseous state. These "gas bubbles" burst and produce the cracking sound typical of chiropractic treatment.

However, the treatment is not only aimed at normalizing joint function, but is also intended to exert a reflex effect on the surrounding tissues (muscles, tendons, nervous system).

Muscle, reflex therapy and orthopedic aids

However, the therapeutic arsenal of modern chiropractors is not limited to joint treatment alone. Depending on the indication, various methods of muscle and reflex therapy, joint mobilization and head massage, as well as physiotherapeutic measures (controlled stretching, ultrasound, electrotherapy, cryotherapy) are used.

The daily practice of chiropractors also includes the prescription of orthopedic aids, support bandages, gymnastic exercises, nutritional and ergonomic counseling, and even the use of acupuncture and acupressure. Chiropractors also prescribe medications or nutritional supplements (analgesics, anti-inflammatories) as needed.

Chiropractors usually have their own x-ray equipment, but they may also hire outside providers to perform the radiological or laboratory tests necessary to make a diagnosis.