Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine mostly concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Proponents claim that such disorders affect general health via the nervous system. These claims are not backed by any evidence. The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, especially spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), manipulations of other joints and soft tissues. Its foundation is at odds with mainstream medicine, and chiropractic is sustained by pseudoscientific ideas such as subluxation and “innate intelligence” that are not based on sound science.
Numerous controlled clinical studies of treatments used by chiropractors have been conducted, with conflicting results. Systematic reviews of this research have not found evidence that chiropractic manipulation is effective, with the possible exception of treatment for back pain. A critical evaluation found that collectively, spinal manipulation was ineffective at treating any condition. Spinal manipulation may be cost-effective for sub-acute or chronic low back pain but the results for acute low back pain were insufficient. The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of maintenance chiropractic care are unknown. There is not sufficient data to establish the safety of chiropractic manipulations. It is frequently associated with mild to moderate adverse effects, with serious or fatal complications in rare cases. There is controversy regarding the degree of risk of vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke and death, from cervical manipulation. Several deaths have been associated with this technique and it has been suggested that the relationship is causative, a claim which is disputed by many chiropractors

Chiropractic Schools in South Africa to study at

Chiropractic Course is usually a six year course consisting of 2 years of basic sciences followed by four years specialising in chiropractic. The admissions department of the relevant institution can be contacted for admission details.

DID YOU SEE: List of South African Universities and Registered Colleges - Application and Contact Details

Durban University of Technology, Chiropractic Department

The Chiropractic Department is a dynamic Department within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology.The chiropractic practitioner is concerned with the treatment and prevention of neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders. The chiropractor diagnoses disorders, cares for the human frame in health and in disease, consulting with and referring to other health care providers.Therapy consists of manual treatments, nutritional advice, exercise programmes, stress management, electrotherapy, massage, acupuncture and traction. Post graduate programmes in the management of sports injuries and in disorders of the foot and ankle are available.
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