The Evolution of Chiropractic in the U.S.

 

Chiropractic has come a long way since it’s inception in the late 19th century. The profession has faced many attacks and challenges by chiropractors struggling to define the path of chiropractic as well as outsiders who desired to stop chiropractic’s contribution to American healthcare.

The Founding of Chiropractic

Chiropractic began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, claimed the cause of any and all disease could be removed by–and needing nothing more than–his hands. The name given to this new profession became its identity. After all, chiropractic means “done by hand.”

Chiropractic was not an unknown treatment in 1895, and Palmer never claimed to be the first to use chiropractic for the cure of disease. He did claim, however, to be the first to use specific contacts as short-leverage points for making more specific spinal “adjustments.” Harvey Lillard was the name of D.D. Palmer’s first patient, and an adjustment reportedly curing Lillard’s deafness is regarded as the seminal moment for the new profession.

D.D. Palmer established his science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic and started a school called the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1905. Since then, Palmer has expanded it’s presence to three locations: Davenport, Iowa; Port Orange, Florida and San Jose, California.

SideNote: Dr. Will graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport in 1977 and his son, Dan McCray graduated from the Port Orange location in 2007.

The Beef Between Physician and Chiropractors

For most of its existence, chiropractic has been at odds with mainstream medicine and physicians.

Between 1873 and 1899, each state established statutes to practice medicine. But there were as yet no statutes to practice chiropractic. This put chiropractors at risk of arrest for practicing medicine without a license.

But despite opposition from allopathic medicine, states also began enacting chiropractic licensure statutes in 1905, largely due to the demands for care made by chiropractic patients.

This process of chiropractic licensure in all states was finally completed in 1974. But all the while, licensed or not, chiropractors continued to work as the public demanded. Many chiropractors practicing in states where chiropractic licensure laws were yet to be enacted defiantly opposed the medical statutes they regarded as an infringement of their rights and obligations to serve their patients. Until the 1950s and 1960s, it was not uncommon for chiropractors to be jailed and fined.

As late as 1966, The American Medical Association called chiropractic an “insufficient cult.” The AMA continued to boycott the profession until losing an antitrust case in 1987. The AMA now permits medical doctors to refer patients to doctors of chiropractic for treatment and/or therapy if the medical doctor believes it is in the best interest of the patient.

Chiropractic Today

Today, professional cooperation and mutual appreciation between chiropractic and conventional medicine lie in stark contrast to many years of discord. Cooperation and the collaborative care of patients are now quite common.

Interdisciplinary practices are now becoming more common in a variety of settings, with chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists and others working as partners in occupational health, sports medicine teams, and rehabilitation centers.

Contributing Resources: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/chiropractic/where-does-it-come

At McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic we care about the mental and physical well-being of each patient. Dr. Will McCray and Dr. Dan McCray offer a variety of services to help you and your family achieve optimal health with chiropractic care, massage, nutritional recommendations, and various therapies. We pride ourselves in making our patients feel welcome and comfortable so they enjoy coming in to visit one of our chiropractic offices. Feeling comfortable is a major component of the healing process and we hope you see that difference at our offices when you come in for your next visit. Visit our website to find out more on how we can help you achieve optimal health today: http://www.mccraychiropractic.com/

5 Accommodating Holiday Health Tips From Us to You

McCarren Park – Brooklyn, New York 12/10/2013
Taken by Rachel McCray

Let’s face it. It’s cold outside so most people are in hibernation mode, avoiding any contact with the outside world until the winter months pass. At McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic, we recognize the hurdles that many face as they struggle to maintain a regular exercise routine during the winter. Here are some quick tips to help you stay active in the cold weather.

 1. Create Your Own Holiday Fitness Wish List: List some areas of your body you would like to improve or tone, set workout goals for those areas and make it a priority to commit to these exercise habits. For myself, I would like to tone up my abdominal area so I commit myself to 200 sit-ups per night for 5 days a week. No exceptions.

2. Exercise at Home: Create a home workout routine for those days you can’t make it to the gym. There a lot of great exercises you can do without gym equipment in the comfort of your own home. I like to mix my routine up with a combination of sit-ups, jumping jacks, push-ups, planks, lunges and of course stretching.

3. Combine Exercise with Family Commitments: Try mixing quality family time with fun physical activity. Take the kids sledding, build a snowman, go ice-skating, or even go for a walk around the neighborhood and check out the holiday decorations.

4. Be More Health Conscious: Making mindful decisions to be more active with your daily routine will pay off whether you notice it or not.. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car further away from your building, make a few more rounds while shopping, volunteer to run errands for others. Little things like this can make a bigger difference than you may realize.

5. Interactive Video Games: Get the whole family together for a fun night of virtual gaming.  Check out some of the latest dance games and you will have the whole family laughing and playing together in no time. Your family will be so distracted with the fun; they won’t even realize they will be getting healthy in the process.

At McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic we care about the mental and physical well-being of each patient. Dr. Will McCray and Dr. Dan McCray offer a variety of services to help you and your family achieve optimal health with chiropractic care, massage, nutritional recommendations, and various therapies. We pride ourselves in making our patients feel welcome and comfortable so they enjoy coming in to visit one of our chiropractic offices. Feeling comfortable is a major component of the healing process and we hope you see that difference at our offices when you come in for your next visit. Visit our website to find out more on how we can help you achieve optimal health today: http://www.mccraychiropractic.com/

Tips for a Physically and Emotionally Healthy Holiday Season

Spend More Time With the Ones You Love

The holidays are a time for loved ones to get together and make special memories. Family dinners, parties, spiritual or religious traditions and, of course, taking holiday family pictures are just a few ways we will be making new memories this year. Reflect on the time you get to share with your friends and family. Focus on feelings of gratitude and joy for yourself and your positivity will encourage others to feel the same. Remember, happiness is contagious.

 Keep it Simple

The holidays can get hectic in more ways than one. This makes it super easy to get stressed over the small things that really will not matter in the grand scheme of things. Try to keep things as simple as possible this holiday season. Try to do most of your shopping online (Cyber Monday 12/02/13), host a potluck dinner and have each guest bring a dish or beverage item, dedicate a day to yourself and go to the spa, take a walk or read and enjoyable book.

Watch a Festive Flick With the Family

Remember the holiday movies you would watch as a kid? Share these with your kids or friends this season and let the television do part of the entertaining. Here are some great classics you can’t go wrong with: A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol,  Elf, Christmas Vacation and Home Alone.

 Sneak in a Holiday Workout

It is very easy to get thrown off of your workout regimen amongst all of the holiday travel. Keeping your body in motion not only keeps you in good physical shape but your mental health will also benefit. According to the Mental Health Foundation, “Regular exercise can also boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better.” So next time you are at the airport, take a walk through the terminal while waiting on your flight. Keep a jump rope handy for quick cardio workouts wherever you are. Try incorporating physical activity into annual family traditions like building a snowman or ice-skating with the family. Whatever you do, never forget to always keep a comfortable pair of walking shoes on you at all times!

 

At McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic we care about the mental and physical well-being of each patient. Dr. Will McCray and Dr. Dan McCray offer a variety of services to help you and your family achieve optimal health with chiropractic care, massage, nutritional recommendations, and various therapies. We pride ourselves in making our patients feel welcomed and comfortable so they enjoy coming in to visit one of our chiropractic offices. Feeling comfortable is a major component of the healing process and we hope you see that difference at our offices when you come in for your next visit. Visit our website to find out more on how we can help you achieve optimal health today: http://www.mccraychiropractic.com/

5 Healthy and Quick Thanksgiving Side DIshes

Instead of making a traditional heavy side dish to contribute this Thanksgiving, opt to go with an easy-to-make, nutrient-rich food item that everyone can enjoy, guilt-free! Healthy substitutes and portion control are key to no overdoing it this holiday.

Here are 10 healthy and simple side dishes that will take less than 20 minutes to make.

    1. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

     Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup Parmesan shavings
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper. Cook until sprouts are tender and golden (about 6 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat; add vinegar. Toss well. Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl; top with Parmesan and pine nuts.

PREP: 15 minutes COOK: 5 minutes

2. Asparagus Salad

     Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cups spring mix salad greens
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons each apricot and pineapple preserves
• 1 tablespoon sesame seed
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Place the asparagus and water in a microwave-safe baking dish. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Place salad greens on a serving platter; top with asparagus. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, orange juice, preserves, sesame seeds and ginger. Drizzle over salad. Sprinkle with almonds.

PREP: 15 minutes

 3. Cranberry-Apricot Delicata Squash

Ingredients:

• 1 pound delicata squash (about 1 large)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds

Cut squash in quarters lengthwise; scoop out the seeds. Very thinly slice crosswise. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Steam the squash until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk oil, cider (or juice), salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the squash, apricots cranberries and chives; toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with almonds.

PREP: 10 minutes COOK: 10 minutes

 4. Brown Sugar-Glazed Beets

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups steamed cubed beets, 1/2- to 1-inch cubes

Trim greens (if any) and root end; peel the skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut beets into 1/2- to 1-inch-thick cubes, wedges or slices. Place in a glass baking dish, add 2 tablespoons water, cover tightly and microwave on High until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Combine brown sugar, orange juice, butter, salt and pepper in a large nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sugar and butter are melted and starting to bubble. Stir in beets and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beets are coated with glaze, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

PREP: 10 minutes COOK: 10 minutes

   5. Lemon-Dill Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add green beans, cover and cook until tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Meanwhile, whisk dill, shallot, oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the green beans and toss to coat. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving to blend flavors.

PREP: 10 minutes COOK: 10 minutes

Turkeys & Patriotism: 20 Things Everyone Should Know About the Month of November

It’s harvest time! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and before we know it, the winter season will be upon us. Check out this super cool list of facts about the month of November.

1. November comes from the Latin word novem which means nine. It was originally the ninth month of the year in the Roman calendar which began with March. When January and February were added to the Roman calendar, November became the eleventh month of the Gregorian calendar.
2. President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in November 1863. 
3. Congress to passed a law on December 26, 1941, ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year
4. The first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
5. Scorpio and Sagittarius are the two astrological signs for November. Birthdays from November 1st through the 21st fall under the Scorpio sign. November 22nd through November 30th birthdays fall under the sign of Sagittarius.
6. Election day is the first Tuesday of November. Exercise your right to vote!
7. Veteran’s Day falls on November 11th. Be sure to thank a vet!
8. Daylights savings time ends on the first Sunday of November. Don’t forget to set your clocks back!
9. President Kennedy was assassinated on November 23, 1963. 
10. November is National Good Nutrition Month. 
11. November 8, 1895 – The X-Ray was discovered on this day by German professor of physics, Wilhelm Rontgen, while experimenting with electricity.
12. In the United States and Canada, November is National Beard Month or No Shave Month. Australians have a similar month were they grow a mustache instead of a full beard.
13. The Parker Brothers introduced the world to the Monopoly game on November 5, 1935.
14. November is a month of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
15. November is National Adoption month.
16. Started by the American Cancer Society 36 years ago, Great American Smokeout Day is the third Thursday in November. It is an annual event held in the U.S. to encourage Americans (of whom over 45 million smoke) to quit tobacco smoking. 
17. The day after Thanksgiving in the USA is a famous shopping day known as “Black Friday.” The day’s name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving.
18. Topaz is the official birthstone of November.
19. November’s flower is the Chrysanthemum.
20. November is one of only four other months out of the year with 30 days. The other months with 30 days include September, April, June and November.

MCHRC Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

We are happy to report that we are making big strides at MCHRC.

A big THANK YOU to Martinsburg Mayor George Karos and everyone else who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony! Huge success!

Join in on the fun this weekend at our Grand Re-Opening Ceremony !

McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic Grand Re-Opening

McCray Chiropractic and Health Restoration Clinic Grand Re-Opening

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013

When: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: 400 Foxcroft Ave. Parking Lot

Martinsburg, WV 25401

Enjoy a Fun-Filled Afternoon!

FOOD    GAMES        FACE PAINTING

DJ       PRIZES     OFFICE TOURS 

DEMOS   VENDORS   MOON BOUNCE

Grand Opening Flyer (New)

Questions/Inquiries: CALL (304) 262-0700

Don’t Let the Government Shutdown Delay Your Fitness Routine! Here’s 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Keep Up Your Fitness

Healthy Life = Happy Life

Creating and achieving personal fitness goals can be especially difficult for those with busy work schedules and various personal obligations. Sometimes however, the smallest decisions we make on a daily basis can produce the biggest difference in the outcome of our entire well-being. Here are five quick and easy tips to for creating a healthier daily lifestyle:

1. Allocate a set amount of time each day for exercise. Plan how many days of the week you will exercise and for how long. Treat these appointments very seriously and be sure to re-schedule a session if you must skip one! Continue to set higher goals for yourself as the weeks progress.
2. Make Smart Small decisions. Take the stairs, walk in place between commercials, do leg raises and do some simple weight training exercises when sitting on the couch. There is always time to squeeze in a little stretching also. These little decisions can yield significant health benefits.
3. Surround Yourself with People who Support Your Efforts. Make friends who are going to motivate you mentally and physically. If your existing friends have no desire to join your fitness routine, try making new friends at your local fitness center, in online meet-up groups or even on your daily walking route.
4. Make Healthier Snack Choices. Pass on the vending machines snacks or break room treats. I think we all enjoy a free donut or two especially if we’ve skipped breakfast before work. So be sure to fill up with a well-portioned, healthy breakfast before leaving home for a long work day. Pack  plenty of fresh fruit and veggies to snack on throughout the day, guilt-free!
5. Remember to Reward Yourself. We can be a little hard on ourselves from time to time so it is important to recognize your achievements from time to time with a treat of some kind. Instead of rewarding your good health achievements with a calorie-filled pastry or other sugary snack, treat yourself to a spa treatment, a good movie or one of our relaxing massages. 

Whatever you do, do not give up on your fitness goals if you miss a workout or go on a night of binge eating. Give up on the workout-skipping blues and remember that persistence is key to getting what you want.

Treating Our Body Right: Treatment Vs. Preventative Treatment

Treatment of a disease, illness, or structural imbalance after it occurs is tricky and can take a lot more of a time, energy and financial investment than we may desire. Preventative treatment is often overlooked but is really needed in …