Is a Doctor of Chiropractic a Real Doctor?
For years, many people had the misconception that a chiropractor is not a real doctor when, in fact, they are as real as any other doctor with a specialization. The primary difference is that they specialize in care for pain often originating in the back, neck and joints. These medical professionals attend many years of additional education after an undergraduate degree. And visits are often covered by health insurance.
A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Medicine
A doctor of chiropractic medicine is a doctor who cares for the specialized regions of back, neck, joints and neuromuscular disorders. These medical professionals often use manipulation of the spine to heal the body without the use of medication or surgery. This type of medical care typically provides temporary relief and requires multiple visits to experience long-term results. It is possible that back care will be paired with more traditional medical treatment. The doctor will be required to review the medical history of the patient before treatment, as well as to conduct diagnostic tests and physical exams.
How to Become a Chiropractor
A person must begin with a four-year undergraduate degree; however, some chiropractic schools only require three years of an undergraduate education before they are able to begin their specialized medical degree. Each state will be different in the educational requirements. Throughout their D.C. education students will focus on areas of study such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology. They will also be required to complete clinical rotations that are supervised by trained D.C.s for hands-on experience in techniques such as assessments, adjustments and diagnoses.
Reasons for a Visit
You might visits a D.C. for any number of reasons. Some people will require adjustments or joint, neck and back care as part of their physical therapy from a traumatic event, such as a car accident or falling down stairs. It is possible to go in for routine maintenance from sitting improperly at a computer for prolonged periods of time. Sports injuries are also common sources of pain or discomfort that requires a visit to a D.C. It is even possible to use a certified practitioner for headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica and osteoarthritis.
Benefits
One of the greatest benefits to an adjustment is relief from pain. Regardless of the source of the pain, a D.C. provides tremendous relief from serious pain for millions of people each year. In some instances, people become completely immobilized from back, neck and joint pain that directly affects their lives in a highly negative manner. With care from a D.C., the quality of life of patients improves to manageable levels and beyond. Another benefit people experience is lower use of prescription drugs. People save money and improve their health naturally with adjustments.
Risks
While the vast majority of this type of care is perfectly safe, recommended and beneficial, it is imperative to use a properly trained and certified D.C. If you use a poorly trained or falsely certified doctor, you could be putting yourself at great risk of permanent damage rather than improved health. Be sure to read online reviews and ask for referrals from friends and families before selecting a back doctor.
A chiropractor is a real doctor who can greatly enhance your quality of life. They are required by each state to complete undergraduate education, as well as a four-year specialized degree. If you are looking for less pain in areas such as your back, neck and joints in a natural way, a D.C. is one of your best options.
