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From Hippocrates (The Father of
Medicine) and Galen (The Prince of Physicians) to the 19th Century
bonesetters of the British Isles, many great men and women
throughout history have recognized the importance of the spine and
nervous system as they relate to the overall health of the
individual. The wisdom of this concept has become even more
apparent as our society has become more and more dependent on
drugs and surgery for the treatment of health problems.
The
chiropractic profession was established in 1895. The word
"chiropractic" was derived from the Greek words "cheir" and "practikis"
meaning "done by hand." The word "chiropractic" is correctly
pronounced "ki-ro-prak-tik." Its form is the same whether used in
the singular or the plural. The terms "doctor of chiropractic,"
"chiropractor," or "chiropractic physician" are all correct titles
for the health care practitioner who is licensed to administer
chiropractic procedures. "D.C." is the accepted acronym
designating a doctor of chiropractic.
Formal recognition and licensure of the
chiropractic profession in Florida was first enacted by the
Florida Legislature in 1931. Today, all states, the District of
Columbia, and Puerto Rico have statutes that recognize and
regulate the practice of chiropractic. In addition, the profession
is officially recognized and regulated in nine Canadian provinces,
in Switzerland, West Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Bolivia and
is acknowledged and accepted in the Scandinavian countries, Italy,
the British Isles, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Venezuela,
Bolivia, Peru and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Today, over 45,000 doctors of chiropractic serve
millions of patients worldwide. According to a study made by the
American Chiropractic Association, there was a 77% increase in
utilization of chiropractic during the 10-year period of
1964-1974, with a further increase of 43% by 1984. This growth
pattern continued into the 1990's and is still on the rise today.
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