Chiropractic is a science, art, and philosophy that concerns
itself with the relationship between the nervous system and
the function (health) of the body.
The
Science: Since its beginning, chiropractic has been based
on the scientific fact that the
nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue,
organ, and system of your body.
Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal
malfunction, the art of correcting them, and the philosophy
of things natural.
The Art: After a thorough examination and
a review of your health history, your chiropractic doctor
will recommend a specific care program. If yours is a chiropractic
case, this will include specific spinal adjustments.
The word adjustment describes hundreds of
ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to
restore spinal bones to a more normal position and motion.
When spinal function is improved, nervous system function
(health) can improve too.
After years of training, chiropractic doctors
become experts at using just the right amount of force in
the right direction. This may require a quick movement or
in other instances a slow and constant pressure. Chiropractic
is truly an art.
The Philosophy: Besides the science and art,
chiropractic has a philosophical aspect. Chiropractic doctors
recognize that regardless of the type of doctor you consult,
doctors don't heal, only the body can heal itself. So your
chiropractic doctor's main purpose is to reduce interference
to your inborn healing ability.
YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTROLS EVERYTHING!
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact
that your nervous system controls the function of virtually
every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous
system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves
of your body.
THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic
checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal
and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care,
combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of
good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being
and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of
Chiropractic for a care program designed for your age, condition,
and lifestyle.
Landmark Legal Decision Supports Chiropractic
Further validation of chiropractic care evolved
from an antitrust suit which was filed by four members of
the chiropractic profession against the American Medical Association
(AMA) and a number of other health care organizations in the
U.S. (Wilk et al v. AMA et al, 1990).
Following 11 years of litigation, a federal appellate court
judge upheld a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Getzendanner
that the AMA had engaged in a "lengthy, systematic, successful
and unlawful boycott" designed to restrict cooperation
between MDs and chiropractors in order to eliminate the profession
of chiropractic as a competitor in the U.S. health care system.
Judge Getzendanner rejected the AMA's patient care defense,
and cited scientific studies which implied that "chiropractic
care was twice as effective as medical care in relieving many
painful conditions of the neck and back as well as related
musculo-skeletal problems."
Since the court's findings and conclusions were released,
an increasing number of medical doctors, hospitals, and health
care organizations in the U.S. have begun to include the services
of chiropractors.
Qualifications for Practicing Chiropractic
In order to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic,
an individual must meet stringent testing, academic and professional
requirements. Currently, an individual must complete the four
major steps shown below in order to become a chiropractic
practitioner:
1. Complete required general college-level
studies (Bachelor's degree required by some states)
2. Obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and complete clinical
externship through an accredited four-year chiropractic college
program
3. Pass required National Board or other exams
4. Meet individual state requirements for licensure
CHIROPRACTIC TRAINING
Government inquiries as well as independent
investigations by medical practitioners, have affirmed that
today's chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard
to medical training in all pre-clinical subjects. High standards
in chiropractic education are maintained by the Council on
Chiropractic Education (CCE) and its Commission on Accreditation,
as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some Chiropractic
colleges require a Bachelor's degree before enrollment.
A doctor of chiropractic's training generally requires a minimum
of six years of college study (two years of which are undergraduate
course work) and an internship prior to entering practice.
Postdoctoral training in a variety of clinical disciplines
and specialties is also available through accredited colleges
and specialty councils.
CHIROPRACTIC LICENSING
Chiropractic is one of many occupations which
are regulated by state licensing agencies. The requirements
for chiropractic licensure vary from state to state (and country
to country). Some states require a Bachelor's degree as a
prerequisite for licensure.
To assist the various regulatory agencies in assessing candidates
for licensure, the National Board administers examinations
to individuals currently, in the chiropractic educational
system or who have completed a chiropractic educational program.
The National Board also offers an examination designed for
previously licensed individuals. A candidate for chiropractic
licensure may request that transcripts of scores from National
Board examinations be forwarded to licensing agencies which
assess eligibility for licensure.
Scores from National Board examinations are made available
to licensing agencies throughout the U.S. and in some foreign
countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, France and
Australia.
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