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Chiropractor - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe chiropractor derives from the Greek works for “hand” and “practical” or “operative”. The role of the chiropractor is literally to manipulate the structure of the body, and particularly the vertebral column, to facilitate treatment of patients with a range of conditions. The term, chiropractor literally means “done by hand”.
For the most part, the use of a chiropractor in the treatment of a patient is facilitated because of evidence that misalignment of the spine results in neurological dysfunction and disturbance in other parts of the body. Chiropractors apply their knowledge of the proper body structure to restore a healthy state without surgery or medicines in bodies that are suffering from some degree and form of structural misalignment.
The general practice of chiropractors includes diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of conditions. Chiropractors diagnose patients’ problems by reviewing medical histories, performing physical examinations, and evaluating X-rays, measurements, and laboratory test results. The most common symptoms presented to chiropractors are headaches, stiff necks, backaches, and chronic fatigue.
If the chiropractor diagnoses a problem that is related to posture or the structure of the patient’s skeletal system, the chiropractor will seek to correct any structural problems found by reducing or immobilizing the abnormality. Manual adjustment methods are used as standard to resolve many issues.
Often, manual adjustment methods are supplemented by traction, diathermy, galvanic currents, ultraviolet light, ultrasound, massage, paraffin baths, hot and cold compresses, baths, and sole or heel lifts. Supportive collars and braces may be used to assist in the treatment of neck, lower back, elbow, knee, and ankle injuries. Limb injuries may be treated with basic first aid, strapping, or casting. Dietary and nutritional changes may also be prescribed to improve a patient’s general health.
Chiropractors may specialize in orthopedics, sports medicine, and nutrition, requiring post-graduate education programs.
Most operate out of private practices, serving local communities. Others may affiliate with or work out of alternative health care centers, health spas, and chiropractic colleges.
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Career RequirementsTo train as a chiropractor, two years of college level education are required; college courses must also include general biology, chemistry, and physics, demonstrating aptitude.
Training programs in chiropractics extend over eight semesters and typically completed within three to four years. The first half of the program covers the basics of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, and public health.
The second half of the program generally covers specialist areas of medicine, including physical, clinical, and laboratory diagnosis; gynecology and obstetrics; pediatrics; geriatrics; dermatology; otolaryngology; roentgenology; dietetics; orthopedics; physical therapy; emergency procedures; spinal analysis; and principles and practices of chiropractic and adjustive techniques. Throughout the curriculum, clinical experience is integrated.
Often, a written and practical examination is taken under a state board of examiners once the training course is complete. The examination is the standard route to licensure. More information is available through the following organizations:
The American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22209
www.amerchiro.org
The Council on Chiropractic Education
8049 N. 85th Way,
Scottdale, AZ 85258
www.cce-usa.org
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Job OutlookCareer opportunities for chiropractors are considered good. As a form of treatment and as a form of medical practice generally, chiropractics has received considerable recognition. It is now widely accepted and with the acceptance there is a need to expand.
The need for practitioners is expected to increase over the next decade; in part this will be a response to the aging population, as the elderly are one of the primary groups likely to suffer from structural misalignments.
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Career TrackChiropractics offers an excellent opportunity for ambitious individuals to establish their own practice, alone or with other chiropractors as partners or affiliates.
Employment by other health care organizations, such as alternative health clinics or sports clinics, is also readily available. Advancement as a chiropractor is typically in the form of promotion to positions of seniority or managerial positions.
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CompensationAlthough income varies depending on the position and place of work, most chiropractors earn between $60,000 and $120,000 per year. Most work in quiet, comfortable offices and deal with a diverse range of patients.
Benefits, generally available to chiropractors working for health care groups or in larger health care establishments, are typically competitive; they may include health and dental care coverage, paid vacation time, and sick days.
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