The Backstory and Philosophy of Chiropractic Care: The Standard for the Training of Chiropractic Doctors

Chiropractic care has a very long history. Even Chinese and Greek writings from 2700 B.C. to 1500 B.C. outlined spinal adjustment as an effective method of managing pain and caring for the lower extremities. The role of chiropractic care was discussed by the likes of Hippocrates, an esteemed Ancient Greek physician. Hippocrates stated, Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.

Spinal manipulation gained widespread attention in the United States at the end of the 19th century. Then in 1895, Daniel David Palmer established the profession of chiropractic in a town in Iowa. With his comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, Mr. Palmer introduced the Palmer School of Chiropractic. This school is still well regarded as one of the most solid educational institutions of chiropractic care.

All fifty states eventually recognized chiropractic as a legal practice in the 20th Century. The respectability of chiropractic care in America has helped it gain acceptance and recognition around the world. The contributions of chiropractic professionals and clinical results of worldwide research have had a tremendous impact on the perception of chiropractic care.

The benefits of chiropractic care were effectively discussed in a report titled Chiropractic in New Zealand (1979), which supported medical physicians and chiropractic collaboration. Another Canadian study, known as Manga (1993), highlighted the cost effectiveness of chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractic care has pioneered the movement of preventative and non-invasive care, with scientifically-backed treatment approaches to deal with many conditions. A continuing emphasis on research poises chiropractic care to make ongoing contributions to the care of ailments.

Educational Background for a Chiropractor: Chiropractic doctors undergo four to five years of training and education at an accredited college of chiropractic. Students must have at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practice, in total, completed. At least 90 hours of undergraduate, science-related classes are also required, as set forth by the Council of Chiropractic Education. In order to be a doctor of chiropractor, students must take the national board exam, as well as additional exams assigned by the state in which the person intends to practice.

Covering health topics and the clinical sciences, the chiropractic curriculum gives the student the means to fully grasp the body's structure and functioning. Students of chiropractic undergo training in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, differential diagnosis, radiology, as well as therapeutic methods. Therefore, practitioners are able to diagnose and treat patients, unlike other providers like physical therapists.

The Council on Chiropractic Education describes doctors of chiropractic as primary care providers. The designation of ?doctor? makes sense; chiropractors are also regarded as physicians by Medicare, and in almost all American states. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the term chiropractic physician is appropriate; they endorse the use of it in its Policies on Public Health.

Recognizing the body's innate ability to heal itself, chiropractors are conservative care doctors with a holistic and natural approach. Drugs and surgeries are not part of its treatment approach. By focusing on biomechanics, the spine's structure and function along with their impact on the musculoskeletal and neurological system, chiropractic care emphasizes proper functioning of these systems in the treatment and maintenance of health.

As supporters of wellness care and public health, chiropractors employ preventative approaches and conservative treatment. The scope of chiropractic practice is wide and DCs routinely treat patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions like joint pain, headaches, neck pain, and low-back pain. Chiropractic doctors also have the training and expertise to address non-neuromusculoskeletal ailments like digestive disorders and allergies. Many other conditions like osteoarthritis and tendonitis are treatable with chiropractic care.

Chiropractic doctors have drawn on a wealth of knowledge that has taught them how to promote health. At the same time, chiropractic care is not stagnant and continues to expand its treatment approaches and procedures.