Chiropractic treatment focuses on the relationship between the main structures of the body (skeleton, muscles, nerves) and the patient’s health. Chiropractors aim to improve the health of their patients with the help of adjustments made at the level of anatomical structures, especially at the level of the spine. They do not do surgeries, they do not prescribe medications and you can turn to them when you want to try an alternative solution to classical medicine.
Chiropractic is recognized as an alternative. In certain countries, the services of chiropractors are covered by health insurance, and those who end up practicing chiropractic obey laws and ethics just like doctors in allopathic medicine. Patients arrive in a chiropractor’s office because they suffer from back pain, neck pain, problems with the wrists, etc. Many of them choose this type of treatment in the very first place because they prefer a medication-free treatment.
The status of chiropractic
Chiropractic aims to treat mechanical problems related to the musculoskeletal system, especially in the spine area. Chiropractors believe that mechanical problems of the body can affect the overall state of health, so their approach is somehow holistic. Manual therapy is the main technique of treatment, through manipulating the spine and joints, as well as of the soft tissues.
In the USA, Canada and Australia, chiropractic is quite popular–even more popular than physical therapy. Many patients with back pain are clients of the chiropractic clinics. They say that they experience instant positive results, which are also long-lasting.
Controversy has lessened the popularity of chiropractic throughout the time. For example, the American Medical Association called chiropractic a cult that has nothing to do with science and kept boycotting it until the late ’80s.
In recent years, chiropractic has, however, gained more legitimacy and is better accepted in society.
Risks of chiropractic treatment
Improperly and aggressively practiced, with errors in executing the specific maneuvers, and possibly improper identification of the exact body area where the problem is located, may turn chiropractic into a harmful practice.
That’s why patients should seek the exclusive help of a recommended and experienced chiropractor in Arvada CO, for the application of the correct chiropractic techniques. Among the serious complications associated with the wrong maneuvers, there are: herniated disc or aggravation of an existing herniated disc, pain in the lower spine or the apparition of neurological disorders after neck manipulation.
Chiropractor Educational Requirements
Chiropractic education typically refers to 4 years of professional study. In most states, it includes a 4-year undergraduate/college prerequisite.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, the Council on Chiropractic Education (an agency certified by the Department of Education) accepted 15 chiropractic programs at 18 different locations.
Of the 4 years of training to become a chiropractor, the first 2 years are dedicated to studying basic sciences and completing the National Boards, Part 1. The following 2 years include studying clinical sciences and completing the National Boards, Part 2.
If the chiropractor wants to use physiological therapeutics in practice, Part 3 of the National Boards is necessary. As for Part 4, it tests chiropractic technique, diagnostic imaging and case management, and, in some states, it can be used in place of a state specific practical examination.