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Chiropractor

Treats musculoskeletal issues through spinal adjustments and physical manipulation.

Did you know?

The 'crack' during a joint adjustment comes from gas bubbles in the joint fluid. Scientists still debate whether the sound is a bubble forming or collapsing.

How subjects help

• Biology: Understand how muscles, nerves and joints work together to cause back and neck pain.
• Anatomy: Feel along the spine with your hands to find which joint is stiff or out of line.
• Physics: Apply just the right force and angle when moving a joint to ease stiffness safely.
• Psychology: Explain treatment clearly and help a patient cope with long lasting pain and worry.

A famous name

Daniel David Palmer: Founded chiropractic, giving the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895.

Try it yourself: Read your footprint like a foot expert

1. Take off one shoe and sock, dip your foot in the water and take a normal step onto the first sheet of paper.
2. Quickly draw round the wet print with the marker before it dries.
3. Look at the middle of the print: a wide middle means a low arch, a thin strip means a high arch, and a clear curve means an average arch.
4. Do the same with your other foot on the second sheet and compare the two shapes. Dry your feet straight away, and never walk around with wet feet.

Podiatrists and physiotherapists study the shape and pressure of footprints to spot problems and design insoles or exercises.

Adapted from TeachEngineering (University of Colorado Boulder): High Arches, Low Arches.

Also try: Which material stops sound best?.

Known for it in

USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Denmark

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