Should a Christian Go to a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic care has become increasingly popular over the past few decades as an alternative treatment for musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain. However, some Christians have reservations about seeking chiropractic treatment due to concerns about its philosophical roots and techniques. This article will examine what the Bible says (and does not say) about chiropractic care to help Christians make an informed decision about whether or not to visit a chiropractor.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use manual spinal adjustments and other techniques to realign the spine and joints to their proper position. The goal is to restore and optimize health by enabling the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may provide therapies like massage, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and exercise recommendations. They also offer advice on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications.
Chiropractic is based on the principle that restricted and misaligned spinal joints can negatively impact the nervous system and lead to various health problems. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery, as their focus is on manual treatments to eliminate “subluxations” or nerve interference caused by vertebral misalignment.
The History and Origins of Chiropractic
Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, a magnetic healer in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer claimed to have restored a man’s hearing by manipulating a misaligned vertebra in his spine. He theorized that all diseases are caused by subluxated bones exerting pressure on nerves and began developing chiropractic techniques to correct these alleged vertebral misalignments.
Palmer’s original theories about the chiropractic subluxation causing all disease have been discredited within the medical community. However, the core principle that aligning the spine can reduce pain and improve health forms the basis of modern chiropractic care.
While chiropractic has evolved and expanded its techniques over the past century, it remains somewhat controversial within the medical field. Some doctors are skeptical of chiropractors’ claims about the health benefits of spinal adjustments. They argue that more rigorous scientific evidence is needed to validate many chiropractic therapies.
What Does the Bible Say About Chiropractic?
The Bible does not directly address chiropractic medicine or spinal manipulation, since these practices did not exist during biblical times. However, there are some principles and examples that can provide wisdom and guidance for Christians considering chiropractic care:
1. The body was created by God and deserves proper stewardship and care. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Just as we care for our spiritual health through prayer, study and community, we should care for our physical health through wise lifestyle choices and proper treatment of injuries and conditions.
2. God designed the human body with purpose and intricacy. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14) The complexity of the musculoskeletal system displays God’s intentional creative power. If injury or misalignment impedes the proper working of this system, it may be prudent to seek solutions for improved function and health.
3. Jesus and the apostles healed physical ailments in addition to spiritual ones. “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 9:35) “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12) These healings demonstrate God’s compassion for human suffering and desire to restore health and wholeness. Chiropractic adjustments may be viewed as a means of cooperating with God’s purpose to heal.
4. Christians should strive to walk in wisdom, discerning the most helpful options for health care. “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9) As with any healthcare decision, Christians should research chiropractic treatment, consult medical professionals, and prayerfully evaluate the potential benefits and risks. The right choice for one person may not be right for another.
5. Christians are called to community and service to one another. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) For some, visiting a chiropractor provides relief and an improved capacity to serve God and others. We should seek to build each other up in our health and abilities.
6. All healing ultimately comes from God. “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:2-3) Whether through natural processes, medical interventions or alternative treatments, God is the ultimate source of health and restoration. We can humbly seek various forms of treatment while recognizing that He is in control.
7. Christians are to avoid all forms of idolatry. “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) While the vast majority of chiropractors do not worship false gods or adhere to non-Christian worldviews, Christians should be aware that some chiropractic approaches may unconsciously mimic New Age or Eastern practices inconsistent with biblical faith. Discernment is needed.
8. Christians should make choices according to their biblically informed conscience. “Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” (Romans 14:5b) When evaluating healthcare approaches, believers must carefully weigh all factors and pray for discernment to decide what is acceptable and right for them. No one should act against their conscience.
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit or condemn chiropractic treatment. Some chiropractic theories and techniques conflict with medical science or contain unbiblical philosophical influences. However, many Christians have found spinal adjustments and other chiropractic therapies to be helpful for managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining general wellness as part of caring for the body God gave them. Each believer must become informed and decide whether chiropractic care is a right choice for them.
Common Techniques Used by Chiropractors
If considering chiropractic treatment, it is important to understand some of the most prevalent techniques a chiropractor may use:
– Spinal manipulation – The most common approach, involving the chiropractor manually applying controlled force and rapid movements to realign vertebrae. Different methods include high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts and instrument-assisted manipulation using a handheld device.
– Mobilization – Gentler manual techniques to improve spinal joint mobility, often used alongside manipulation. Can involve rocking, stretching, and low-force movements of the affected joints and muscles.
– Soft tissue therapies – Massage, trigger point therapy, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization focused on muscles surrounding the spine to relieve pain and tension.
– Electrical muscle stimulation – Use of a handheld device to apply electric current to muscles to stimulate contractions and decrease pain. Also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
– Therapeutic ultrasound – Application of sound waves through the skin to increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and accelerate healing of soft tissue injuries.
– Cryotherapy – Use of ice packs or cold compresses to relieve acute pain and inflammation. May also use whole body cryotherapy chambers exposing the body to very cold, dry air for several minutes.
– Hot packs – Heated pads, compresses, or other devices applied to sore or tense muscles to stimulate blood flow and loosen tissues before an adjustment.
– Traction – A decompression technique where the head, neck, or lower spine are gently pulled to stretch the vertebrae and surrounding structures and relieve pressure.
– Laser therapy – Low-level lasers applied directly to the skin over muscles and joints to reduce inflammation and temporarily decrease pain.
– Nutrition advice – Recommendations on diet, vitamins, supplements, and hydration to support musculoskeletal health.
Not all chiropractors utilize every technique. Christians seeking chiropractic care should communicate with potential chiropractors about which methods would be involved in their treatment plan.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
For those considering chiropractic, some potential benefits supported by research include:
– Temporary relief of muscle and joint pain – Many studies confirm chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce spinal and extremity pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, sciatica, injuries, and disk herniation. Relief is often short-term and requires ongoing care.
– Increased range of motion and flexibility – Gentle spinal adjustments can help improve mobility of stiff joints. Chiropractic mobility techniques may increase flexibility.
– Reduced headaches and migraines – Spinal manipulation shows evidence of decreasing the intensity and frequency of tension headaches and migraines originating in the neck.
– Improved posture – Chiropractic adjustments and posture-training advice can help patients stand and move with better spinal alignment, potentially reducing related pain.
– Enhanced lower back function – Research indicates chiropractic adjustments can improve pelvic alignment and mobility, resulting in reduced low back pain and improved ability to perform daily activities.
– Decreased need for medication – Studies show people with chronic spinal pain often decrease use of pain medication after starting chiropractic treatment. Less medication dependence generally results in fewer side effects.
– Avoided spinal surgery – Conservative approaches like chiropractic adjustments are often an alternative to spinal fusion or other invasive surgeries for slipped disks and similar injuries. Non-surgical approaches allow the body to heal naturally.
– Improved overall wellness – In addition to treating acute injuries and chronic pain, regular chiropractic care aims to optimize whole body health and functioning. This supports greater vitality.
Risks and Safety Concerns with Chiropractic
While significant benefits can come from chiropractic care, there are some safety considerations:
– Risk of Increased Pain – Spinal manipulation can sometimes temporarily worsen symptoms or cause local discomfort from sore, strained muscles. Discomfort generally resolves within 24-48 hours.
– Joint Injury – Forceful neck adjustments have been linked to injuries to vertebral arteries leading to stroke. However, incidence is extremely low at 1 in 2 million adjustments. Mild joint irritation may occur but also dissipates quickly.
– Physical Dependency – As with other pain treatments, repeated chiropractic adjustments over the long-term can result in reliance on continued sessions to manage discomfort after the initial complaint has healed. Tapering off treatment is recommended.
– Interactions with Medications – Chiropractic adjustments can impact absorption and efficacy of various medications. Open communication with one’s chiropractor about current prescriptions is important.
– Radiation Exposure – Pain imaging tests like radiographs do expose patients to some radiation. However, modern techniques use minimal radiation and the health screening benefits likely outweigh the negligible risks.
– Unsupported Claims – While training is expanding, some chiropractors still promote unscientific concepts or make dubious claims about treating non-spinal conditions. Patients should be wary of outlandish promises.
– Lack of Regulation – Significant variation exists across chiropractic practices in terms of license requirements, necessary education, and adherence to evidence-based medicine. Carefully vet any chiropractic office before starting care.
Proper diagnosis and careful screening by a well-trained chiropractor can mitigate most risks associated with chiropractic medicine. Christians should prayerfully weigh if the benefits sufficiently outweigh the potential hazards for their situation.
Finding a Christian Chiropractor
For Christians seeking chiropractic care, locating a Christian chiropractor can provide some advantages:
– Prayer support – Christian chiropractors often pray for patients’ complete healing and recovery with client consent. This spiritual care accompanies physical therapy.
– Values alignment – Christian chiropractors allow patients to avoid any Chiropractic techniques at odds with Christian beliefs about health and the body.
– Biblical wellness perspective – Christian chiropractors emphasize biblical principles of wholeness and holistic care for the body, mind, and spirit. For many believers, this resonates more than a secular focus on bodily health alone.
– Community – Fellow Christians in chiropractic offer opportunities for fellowship, testimonies, and encouragement in the faith while receiving spinal treatments. This fosters discipleship.
– Missional outreach – Christian chiropractic offices allow the church to serve the community through healthcare rooted in the gospel message and Christian compassion.
The following are some tips for finding a Christian chiropractor in your region:
– Search online for Christian chiropractor directories in your state or city. Many compile and vet listings of local Christian practices.
– Check church bulletins and newsletters to see if local congregations recommend or sponsor particular Christian chiropractors.
– Inquire through your Pastor or church contacts if they know of any Christian chiropractic offices in your vicinity.
– Search Christian business review websites that highlight top-ranked Christian companies. Many feature chiropractors.
– Use Google searches for keywords like “Christian chiropractor” along with your city. Verify their faith on the office website.
– Look for chiropractors accredited through the Christian Chiropractors Association or that prominently advertise their Christian identity.
– Review social media pages of local chiropractors to evaluate if they incorporate aspects of the Christian faith into their practice.
Questions to Ask a Christian Chiropractor
When meeting with a perspective Christian chiropractor, some key questions to ask include:
– How does your faith impact your treatment philosophy and interaction with patients? Look for biblical principles.
– What chiropractic techniques and therapies do you regularly incorporate into treatment plans? Make sure you understand and are comfortable with their methods.
– What diagnostic tests will you conduct before beginning adjustments? Ethical chiropractors will thoroughly assess you first.
– Do you partner with medical doctors? Look for those open to both chiropractic and traditional medicine.
– How long do you expect it will take to resolve my condition? Seek realistic timeframes.
– How many treatments do you estimate I will need? Beware extremes; 2-3 times a week for 2-6 weeks is typical.
– Do you have experience successfully treating my specific condition? Ask for examples of past cases like yours.
– Is your goal to provide temporary relief or a permanent cure? Understand their objectives.
– Do you offer health advice beyond spinal adjustments? Seek holistic wellness guidance.
– How can I tell if I’m improving? Expect regular progress reviews and metrics.
By posing these questions and investigating a chiropractor’s credentials, techniques, and communication style, Christians can wisely choose a provider.
Conclusion – Evaluating the Need for Chiropractic Care
Christians wanting to make a fully informed decision about pursuing chiropractic treatment should:
– Pray – Ask God sincerely for wisdom, discernment, and guidance through His Spirit regarding chiropractic care.
– Study – Diligently research chiropractic methods, effectiveness, risks, and alternatives for one’s condition.
– Seek Counsel – Talk to medical doctors, experienced Christians, and chiropractic patients to gain insights.
– Evaluate Options – Consider costs/insurance coverage, treatment philosophies, techniques used, and clinic quality.
– Decide – Make a personal decision before God based on the need for care, potential benefits, and any spiritual concerns.
– Review – If choosing chiropractic treatment, evaluate after several sessions whether it is providing hoped-for outcomes.
The Bible does not condemn or discourage chiropractic care for Christians with painful musculoskeletal conditions. While chiropractic has limits and risks, spinal adjustments can offer specific health benefits. As with any health decision, wise believers should humbly seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, renew their minds with scriptural principles, and walk in faith and Christ-like love when evaluating chiropractic medicine.