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| Category: Chiropractic Schools |
Date published: September 10, 2008 |
Chiropractic - Alternative Health Professions for Today and Tomorrow
by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
 A Little Perspective on the Field of Chiropractic
The conventional medicine industry has competition these days. With all the natural and complementary healthcare approaches like massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic -- it's not wonder why many aspiring individuals are choosing to pursue these alternative medicine fields for health and wellbeing - and for careers.
Of the three abovementioned CAM* fields, chiropractic is the youngest natural medicine modality. Developed by American Daniel Palmer shortly before the 20th Century, chiropractic became a form of manual manipulation of the spine. Palmer's theory was that by manipulating the spine that he could potentially cure disease. Though he only taught chiropractic to a few pupils, it was his son (BJ Palmer), who helped to broaden the natural healthcare field of chiropractic. (*CAM - complementary and alternative medicine)
According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, chiropractic is the leading alternative medicine field. Practiced throughout the United States, licensed chiropractors have treated 20 percent of American adults. While there are actually dozens of modalities in the alternative and complementary medicine health fields, chiropractic is one of most regularly-used treatments. When used in combination with conventional medicine as a complementary therapy, over 50 percent of patients reported that chiropractic was helpful. Subsequently, roughly 20 percent of conventional medical doctors have suggested chiropractic to their patients.
What do Chiropractics do?
Like other professional healthcare providers, licensed chiropractors begin the evaluation process of patients by obtaining an in-depth health history. In addition to a physical assessment, a chiropractic practitioner will sometimes take an x-ray of the patient to better assess and develop the best plan for treatment.
The vast difference, however, between conventional medical doctors and chiropractics is the actual treatment itself. Conventional medicine often requires narcotics, surgery, or other invasive procedures and health treatments whereas chiropractic involves hands-on spinal adjustments. These adjustments are gentle and concise manipulations that are intended to help to heal subluxations of the spine. Additional health modalities that are commonly facilitated by chiropractic practitioners are dietary counseling, electrical stimulation, heat/ice applications, as well as rehabilitation methods.
In the Know - Licensing Chiropractors
Individuals, who have established themselves as professional chiropractics have acquired a substantial amount of education and training. Prior to applying to one of a number of chiropractic schools, individuals must have attained education equivalent to a four-year degree. Prerequisite coursework includes academic training in biology, chemistry, psychology, and other general education.
Once students have met all educational requirements to enter one of the chiropractic schools or colleges in America, they can expect an in-depth course of study, which is comprised of roughly 4,000+ hours. Some of the various studies included in this chiropractic coursework are the history and principles of the healing art, anatomy, chiropractic biochemistry, biomedical physiology, cell biology, pharmacology, radiography, and other clinical specializations and practice.
Why a Career in Chiropractic?
Aside from gaining the personal satisfaction of being able to help others through natural and non-invasive means, those who have successfully finished their course through one of a number of chiropractic schools can anticipate bright, professional futures. Once graduates have completed all necessary internship training and have become fully licensed to practice, potential exists to earn a lucrative income. Because the chiropractic career outlook is very good, entry-level positions for licensed chiropractors begin at $46,000 annually; with prospects exceeding the $100,000 mark.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about complementary medicine education, let professional training within fast-growing industries like therapeutic massage, naturopathy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore chiropractic schools near you.
Sources:
HolisticJunction.com
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
AIM (Archives of Internal Medicine)
NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
HolisticJunction.com
Chiropractic -- Health Professions for Today and Tomorrow
©Copyright 2009
Media Positive Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Former staff writer for HolisticJunction.com, Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Natural Healing Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
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