Manipulative and Body Based Practices — Chiropractic

Chiropractic care focuses on the body’s structure and function and is a practice which uses hands-on manipulation or adjustment, the application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion to aid in the restoration of health (nccam.nih.gov). Chiropractic health care began on the premise that neurological dysfunction caused by “impinged” nerves at the spinal level was the cause of most disease and by removing the interference through adjustments health was restored; modern chiropractic theory has henceforth evolved from the original theory of chiropractic care and has developed into a more comprehensive health care system (Meeker & Haldeman, 2002). Frequently, chiropractors use other treatments in addition to adjustments, including massage, heat and ice, and rehabilitation exercises. Most often, chiropractic care is used to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

Potential Application for Children with Cancer

Additional research on chiropractic services and children with cancer is needed to better understand the therapeutic effectiveness of this practice for this population.

Resources:

Meeker, W. C. & Haldeman S. (2002). Chiropractic: A Profession at the Crossroads of Mainstream and Alternative Medicine. Annals of Internal Medicine, 136, 216-227.

Last updated: October 13, 2009