Hipprocates was a Chiropractor. In his books on joints, Hippocrates (460–385 BCE), who is often referred to as the father of medicine, was the first physician to describe spinal manipulative techniques using gravity, for the treatment of scoliosis. In this case, the patient was tied to a ladder and inverted. The second technique he described involved the use of a table with various straps, wheels, and axles enabling traction to be applied. The hand, foot, seated body weight, or a wooden lever could then be used to impart spinal pressure or thrust to treat a “gibbus” or prominent vertebra. Hippocrates noted that this treatment should be followed by exercises.

Since these early spinal manipulative techniques, chiropractic has developed many sophisticated methods for all body shapes, ages and condtions. The modern chiropractor will often use x-ray and MRI scanning to guide his or her treatment programme for their patients. Chiropractic is truely a system of medicine for the 21st Century, while having it’s roots firmly planted in thousands of years of human experience.