What is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a drugless physician and a Board
Certified Doctor.
Chiropractors practice according to the principles of
the chiropractic practice as a natural practitioner
without the use of drugs or surgery. They treat the
same medical conditions as many medical doctors but
offer a natural and truly holistic alternative.
A chiropractor is known as a “doctor of chiropractic”
or “D.C.”. The main form of treatment ulitizes
spinal manipulation to restore proper nervous system
function. The nervous system is the main “computer
system” of the body and controls every bodily
function. When there is irritation to this system, the
disease process begins. Spinal manipulation removes
subluxation, the main cause of irritation to the nervous
system. Subluxation occurs from a myriad of reasons
including, regular actions using poor body mechanics
such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, incorrect
lifting, trauma from sports or accidents, sneezing,
straining, and so on. It causes a misalignment of the
vertebra (bone of the spine) that impedes flow of the
nerves. These nerves carry messages from the brain to
every organ, tissue, and muscle in the body. It is only
when a person is subluxation-free that they can be truly
healthy, energetic, and vitalistic. See “The key
to optimal health”for more on subluxation.
Chiropractors are required to complete an academic
program similar to that of medical doctors. Four years
of undergraduate study are generally required followed
by an intense doctorate program at any of the nation’s
17 accredited Chiropractic schools. During the first
two years, the student must complete classes and laboratory
work in anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology,
biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and herbology,
and public health. The following two years are hands
on work in areas such as spinal manipulation, orthopedics,
geriatrics, biomechanics, radiology, neurology, diagnosis,
and natural medicine.
Finally the upcoming doctor must complete over a year’s
worth of clinical experience initially working with
students and eventually with the general public through
various clinic systems. These internships sometimes
are completed through hospital rounds with medical students.
Some doctors may continue on to a post-internship residency
with a particular clinic.
Chiropractors undergo four parts of vigorous testing
through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
and must be liscensed as doctors in their particular
state of practice. Many chiropractors go on to complete
diplomate studies in specialty aspects such as radiology,
orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, internal medicine,
and so on. They must complete ongoing continuing education
to keep their liscense current.
BACK
TO TOP
|
