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Chiropractic

ไคโรแพรคติก

A licensed manual-care profession, born in the United States, that focuses on the spine and joints, mainly using hands-on adjustments.

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Origin

United States (Davenport, Iowa)

History

Founded by D.D. Palmer in 1895

Licence in Thailand

Required

01

Where it comes from

Chiropractic was founded in the United States by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer. According to Palmer College, which he started, he performed the first chiropractic adjustment on 18 September 1895 in Davenport, Iowa, and then began teaching the method there.

Palmer's original idea was that small misalignments of the vertebrae, which he called "subluxations", disturbed the nervous system and therefore health. This early concept came from a 19th-century vitalist philosophy and has not been confirmed by research. Over time, the profession split between practitioners who kept to the founder's philosophy and others who combined it with mainstream science.

Today chiropractic is a regulated health profession in many countries. In 2005 the World Health Organization published guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic, prepared with the World Federation of Chiropractic, to help countries set minimum education standards and regulate practice.

02

The principle

Chiropractors examine how the spine and other joints move and use mostly manual techniques to try to improve joint motion and function. The best-known technique is spinal manipulation (called an "adjustment"): a quick, controlled thrust applied by hand to a joint. Gentler mobilisation without a thrust, soft-tissue work, exercises and lifestyle advice are often added.

Like other health professionals, a chiropractor takes a health history, examines you, may order tests, forms a working diagnosis and follows your progress. Research mainly supports its use for back and neck pain, where effects are generally similar to other recommended treatments, not better. There is no clear evidence that it helps conditions unrelated to muscles and joints, such as high blood pressure.

What people come for

  • Low back pain that is recent or long-lasting
  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Some headaches that start in the neck
  • Moving more easily and staying active
  • Advice on posture, exercise and daily habits
03

How it works on the body

Chiropractic works mainly through the joints of the spine, with hands-on techniques that move them within or slightly beyond their usual range.

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04

A session, step by step

  1. 01

    Health history

    The chiropractor asks about your symptoms, past health, medicines and lifestyle.

  2. 02

    Examination

    They check posture, movement, muscles and nerves, and may ask for imaging or refer you to a doctor if something needs medical care.

  3. 03

    Explanation and consent

    You should hear the working diagnosis, the proposed plan, the expected number of sessions, the costs and the possible side effects before agreeing.

  4. 04

    Hands-on treatment

    Treatment usually includes adjustments or gentler mobilisation, sometimes with soft-tissue work. A clicking sound from the joint can happen and is normal.

  5. 05

    Exercises and advice

    You may get stretches, exercises and posture tips to do at home.

Precautions

  • Ask a doctor first if you take blood-thinning medicine or have a higher risk of bleeding or stroke.
  • Avoid manipulation if your bones or joints are very weak or damaged (for example severe osteoporosis, a recent fracture, a bone infection or a tumour).
  • Mild soreness, stiffness or headache are common and usually pass within 24 hours; serious problems such as stroke after neck manipulation are very rare but reported.
  • If you are pregnant or have a nerve condition, discuss it with your doctor and the chiropractor before treatment.
  • See a doctor urgently, not a chiropractor, for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or new weakness in the legs.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

05

In Thailand

In Thailand, chiropractic is a licensed healing art. Practitioners apply to the Ministry of Public Health for a licence under Section 31 of the Practice of the Art of Healing Act B.E. 2542 (1999), and must submit a degree in chiropractic with their application. Before booking, it is reasonable to ask a clinic whether its chiropractor holds a Thai licence and where they trained.

Frequently asked questions

Is chiropractic the same as massage?

No. Chiropractors may use some massage, but their main tool is joint manipulation and mobilisation, after an examination that is similar to a medical check-up.

Does the "crack" mean a bone was put back in place?

No. The sound comes from the joint during the quick movement. It does not mean a bone was out of place, and treatment can work without it.

Does it hurt?

Usually not much. Some people feel sore or stiff for a day afterwards. Tell the chiropractor if anything feels wrong; gentler techniques exist.

How do I check a chiropractor in Thailand?

Ask whether they hold a Ministry of Public Health licence for the art of healing in chiropractic, and where they earned their chiropractic degree.

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Sources

  1. Palmer College of Chiropractic – History (first chiropractic adjustment, 18 Sept 1895, Davenport, Iowa)
  2. NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health) – Chiropractic: In Depth
  3. NCCIH – Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know
  4. Rubinstein SM et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2019;364:l689
  5. Benefits and Harms of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Treating Recent and Persistent Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(9):510-528
  6. NHS – Chiropractic
  7. Thai Ministry of Public Health (Department of Health Service Support) – Application for License for Practice of the Art of Healing through Chiropractic (Practice of the Art of Healing Act B.E. 2542, Section 31)
  8. World Federation of Chiropractic – Relations with the World Health Organization (WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic, 2005)
  9. Wikipedia – Chiropractic (history of the subluxation concept; used as secondary source)