For my wellness issue/event that I chose to help better explain our current society,
is Chiropractic. Specifically looking at case studies and systematic reviews published in
2018 on the effect that chiropractic treatment has on primary or early secondary
prevention. Chiropractic as a profession began in 1895 when its founder David Palmer
adjusted the spine of a) deaf janitor and claimed to restore his hearing. “Spinal
manipulation was not an unknown treatment in 1895, and Palmer never claimed to be the
first to use manipulation for the cure of disease” (Evans & Leininger, N.D.). Although this
practice seems to be a relatively new and often viewed as a more holistic approach to
health, manual healing methods can be traced back to ancient times, yet wasn’t entirely
realized in the United States until the late 19th century.)
From a public health perspective, it is always relevant to consider whether or not
prevention from a disease occurring rather than treating it when it is presented is a
plausible option. However, primary prevention (PP) or early secondary prevention are not
always successful or suitable, this can only really be applied towards conditions that are
treatable with known or avoidable causes. “According to a recent systematic review,
chiropractors are interested in providing PP both in relation to several general public
health issues and for musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, some chiropractors have adopted
the ‘dental model’ in their practice, proposing to prevent spinal problems through
treatment of spinal subluxations before symptoms arise” (Goncalves, et al, 2018). Despite
stigma surrounding spinal manipulations, chiropractic care has provided diagnoses,
treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system,
especially of the spine. Throughout a systematic review, it was found that although there is
no exact data on chiropractic care being the root of preventative care, specifically with
diseases or sickness, routine chiropractic care was found to aid in the prevention of
sciatica and vertigo. As well as minimizes headaches, migraines, reduces pain and
improves range of motion in your spine and other joints, as well as reduces symptoms of
chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis (Goncalves et al, 2018).)
This issue is connected to the concept of wellness as a proactive practice that is
concerned with the overall health and wellness of the individual. Chiropractic care when
paired with a routine conducive to overall health can provide physical care, therapy, and
treatment for individuals on a basic level as well as treat more serious injuries. Reflecting
on this issue further instills the concept of wellness at its core and as a holistic approach
and idea. Wellness as we have learned from last week consists of a variety of facets that all
influence an individual’s wellness. The practice of Chiropractic teaches us how to help our
physical bodies recuperate, release tension, and have overall positive spinal health.
Similarly to mental health and its relation to wellness, we must take care of our mind
which is essentially our battery power just as we must take care of our spine, the brace of
our entire
References:
Goncalves, G., Le Scanff, C., & Leboeuf-Yde, C. (2018). Effect of chiropractic treatment
on primary or early secondary prevention: a systematic review with a pedagogic
approach.)Chiropractic & manual therapies,)26, 10.)https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-018-
0179-x
Evans, R., & Leininger, B. (n.d.).)What is the history of chiropractic?)Taking Charge of
Your Health & Wellbeing. Retrieved July 16, 2022,
from)https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-history-
chiropractic#:~:text=Chiropractic%20as%20a%20profession%20began,for%20the
%20cure%20of%20disease.
