Chiropractic's early philosophy was rooted in vitalism, spiritual inspiration and rationalism. A philosophy based on deduction from irrefutable doctrine helped distinguish chiropractic from medicine, provided it with legal and political defences against claims of practicing medicine without a license, and allowed chiropractors to establish themselves as an autonomous profession.
Most people think of chiropractic physicians as treating mostly orthopaedic problems, especially backaches, disc pains, sciatic problems, whiplash-related injuries and the like. In these cases one would try the chiropractic approach first, for the art of manipulation has proven beneficial in treating these conditions since the time of Hippocrates. Other disorders such as those which involve organs and internal glands of the body also often respond to chiropractic adjustments.
The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.