I usually write about nutrition-related topics.
However I wanted to share and hopefully educate you about a topic that is equally as important. My husband is a student at the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Florida and as a result I have learned a lot about chiropractors and chiropractic care.
Chiropractors have long been undervalued and often written off as unimportant, or even worse, not regarded as real doctors.
Many people in pain often end up seeing doctor after doctor, trying to alleviate their pain and mask their symptoms. As a last resort they end up on the doorstep of a chiropractor to find some sort of relief.
They may find their chiropractor should have been at the top of their healthcare provider list.
Training
The training required to become licensed as a chiropractor has changed over the last decade. Entering school is a lengthy process and requires a high G.P.A. Prospective students must now earn a bachelor’s degree and fulfill certain academic requirements including biology, anatomy and psychology.
School is a 3 year and 3 month (13 quarter) commitment, which includes working on patients during the last year of school in the college’s clinic. During their last quarter, student interns have the option of taking a preceptorship. This is when the intern works in the community with a practicing chiropractor.
Chiropractors can earn diplomas and accreditations in a specialized field.
The most common diplomas are in clinical nutrition and neurology. Chiropractors with training in clinical nutrition can offer nutritional advice, counseling and supplementation. They also recommend an anti-inflammatory diet.
Chiropractic neurologists can, e.g., treat higher function and neuron deficits.
A big part of being a chiropractor is learning on your own. This process involves seminars, certifications and continuing education credits to maintain their license.
After graduation the doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) begins his practice. D.C.s are a primary care portal of entry and can refer directly to specialists, e.g., a neurologist.
Every patient is given a complete physical and asked to supply a complete medical history.
Techniques
Chiropractors specialize in a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to:
- Gonstead, Upper Cervical, Sacral-Occipital
- Pettibon, scoliosis and spinal posture correction
- Activator, a tool used in supplying adjustments
Modalities
They also offer many different modalities:
- therapeutic technique
- flexion/ distraction
- decompression
- cold laser
- ultrasound
- muscle stimulation
D.C.s offer adjustments which facilitate the healing of:
- digestive issues
- back pain/neck pain/headaches
- muscle imbalances/poor posture
- hip and leg dysfunctions
- lower back injuries/car accident injuries
- neurological symptoms associated with chronic diseases
- carpal tunnel and associated shoulder problems
Chiropractors approach medicine without the use of surgery or medications. They are holistic in their approach and are well equipped to facilitate the innate healing the body is made to do.
D.C.s lead patients down the right direction on their healthcare path.