About Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
- Chiropractic supports the concept that maintenance of proper function of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems can provide for better health.
- Chiropractic is a form of health care that is drugless, non-invasive, and actively promotes health.
- Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning that the entire body and a person's lifestyle are examined and treated. When a chiropractor works with a patient, the cause of the patient's physical problem is addressed and lifestyle factors that may affect the problem (such as diet, posture, exercise, and others) are modified to speed recovery and prevent recurrence.
- Chiropractic care uses natural health methods such as exercise, nutrition and diet, and lifestyle modification to promote wellness.
What Education is Required to Practice Chiropractic?
Chiropractic graduates must have a minimum of six years of college education. Chiropractic education's foundation in the basic life sciences include coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physical and laboratory diagnostics, radiology, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and public health. In addition, chiropractic education involves a detailed study of clinical sciences as well as clinical experience. In fact chiropractic education is similar to medical and osteopathic education except that these practitioners emphasize surgery and pharmacology while Doctors of Chiropractic focus on diagnosis and musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders and treatment through clinically and scientifically established conservative procedures.
This education means that Doctors of Chiropractic have the expertise to diagnose, treat, and/or manage many different health problems. If diagnosis indicates that another type of care is more appropriate for you, a referral will be made.