The Chiropractor
For many back pain sufferers, a chiropractor (or an osteopath) is the solution to the aches and pains that are keeping them from leading productive lives.
While a large number of people still erroneously think of this alternative healing art as a type of massage therapy, chiropractic has specific treatment goals which are achieved through hands-on spinal manipulation.
The treatment goals of chiropractic techniques are…
- The re-establishment of normal spine mobility
- Alleviation of spinal nerve irritation
- Restoration of altered nerve reflexes to their normal state
Why consider going to a chiropractor?
Chiropractors (sometimes misspelled “chiropracters”) achieve these goals by concentrating on areas of subluxation, which is a process resulting in the “partial abnormal separation of the articular surfaces of a joint.” This process encompasses tissue changes such as atrophy, edema, local ischemia, congestion, fibrosis, just to name a few.
Chiropractic techniques are not just effective in lower back pain. Upper cervical chiropractic maneuvers have been found to relieve neck and upper back pain.
Other conditions that have benefited from chiropractic are…
- Headaches
- Repetitive strains
- Injuries resulting from car or sports accidents
- Arthritic pain
In recent years, chiropractic has also come to incorporate other healing techniques, including acupuncture and ultrasound.
Back pain patients who need to find a chiropractor are in luck. Thanks to the Internet, patients could access various chiropractic websites. One could also find network a network of chiropractic doctors, network chiropractic, who provide advice and other valuable information on the technique.
It is important to mention, however, that not all the so-called “chiropractors” advertising their services may have the certification or the license to practice this healing profession. In the same way, the training of a chiropractor is different (although there are some similarities) from that of a physical therapist.
Becoming a Chiropractor
How to become a chiropractor?
Becoming a chiropractor involves enrolling in a chiropractor school or a chiropractor university to take a 4-year degree program. Most states in the U.S. require a Bachelor’s degree in science before being admitted. Upon completion of the program, the would-be chiropractor should pass the four-part National Board Exams in order to be licensed to practice in their particular state. Some chiropractors may even go on to study post-graduate specialties, such as orthopedics, rehabilitation, sports medicine, and neurology.
Keeping in mind education and training, it is therefore important for the patient to establish the chiropractor’s credentials before undergoing treatment. This could be done by making inquiries with chiropractor organizations governing the practice in the state.
Legitimate chiropractors offer three important warning signs of questionable practitioners. These are…
- The chiropractor claims to be using a “special new chiropractic technique” that other practitioners don’t know about.
- The chiropractor claims to “cure” a number of conditions, including cancer and diabetes
- Recommending unrealistic plans, such as pain relief after only a few sessions or treatments that would last 6 months and beyond
Chiropractor salary or fee is rather expensive, so it is advisable to see if treatments are covered by insurance. Some chiropractors may give discounts upon the patient’s request.
A chiropractor can be a patient’s partner in pain relief, as long as he or she has received the proper training and possesses the license to practice this healing art.
