A chiropractor is someone who sees patients who have a broad range of health problems related to the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, as well as other common health ailments. Chiropractors require extensive schooling and need to be licensed to practice. Chiropractors can be found all over the world and are often considered an alternative to traditional medicine.
Education
In the United States, chiropractic education can be extensive and generally starts off with two to four years of undergraduate study at an accredited university. After the core classes are completed, a four-year college course specializing in chiropractic studies is needed to obtain a D.C., or Doctor of Chiropractic. Passing all state and national exams is then required to become a licensed chiropractor. Licensing covers the ability to practice in a medical or public establishment.
Types of Patients
Most patients who seek chiropractic care fall under two categories: temporary patients and long-term patients. A temporary patient may only visit once a year or less, if he has experienced a significant injury or sudden pain issue. He may seek chiropractic care to have his spine or skeletal system evaluated to achieve pain relief. Others may be long-term patients who see a chiropractor regularly to maintain optimal health. A long-term patient seeks out regular adjustments to obtain pain relief.
Office Procedures
One of the first office procedures that takes place at a chiropractor's office is a range of motion exercise and evaluation for care. A medical assistant will evaluate the patient by determining her range of motion and take note of any problem areas or pain issues. He will also weigh the patient and take the patient's blood pressure. The patient may then have an X-ray taken of problem areas. The chiropractor then sees the patient one-on-one and evaluates the patient's spine and skeletal system along with the X-rays. He may perform procedures such as light, heat and water therapy and acupuncture. The chiropractor may manually manipulate the spine to readjust the area or use a tool called an activator to relax muscles and manipulate skeletal joints.
Work Locations
Most chiropractors work independently in their own private practices or with other chiropractors. Some chiropractors work out of their homes. Most choose to work with associates so they can care for patients if the other doctor is out of town. Offices are set up for privacy where they are able to individually treat each patient. Each exam room generally has an exam table and sometimes an inversion table that helps the patient relax and stretch out muscles.
Alternative Medicine
Chiropractors are doctors but sometimes are referred to as practicing alternative medicine. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, they can not prescribe prescription medications for pain, ailments or illnesses with just a chiropractor degree. They may, however, make a referral to a medical doctor for further treatment. Chiropractors believe that most illnesses such as fevers, influenza and common colds can be treated with an adjustment or other form of alternative therapy within the chiropractic office.
Other Medical Conditions
Other than occasional illnesses and long-term injuries, there are other medical conditions a chiropractor may treat, such as chronic neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, stress headaches, whiplash, low back pain, stress, herniated disk and joint inflammation.
