Chiropractors provide treatement without surgery or medication.
As living a natural lifestyle increases in popularity, many Americans look for alternative treatments for their body's ailments. This desire has increased the popularity of chiropractic care, making it one of the leading industries for career growth in the nation. A career as a chiropractor gives those who want to work in the health care industry an option to do so without the long-term commitment of medical school.
Function
The main role of a chiropractor is to diagnose and treat conditions that are a result of problems with the skeletal system and to determine the effects of those problems on the body and nervous system. Their method of treatment relies heavily on the body's ability to recuperate itself with the proper care, without surgery or drugs. Chiropractors also consult with nutritionists, acupuncturists and massage therapists to determine the best course of treatment for their patients.
As a chiropractor, the majority of the day is spent treating and diagnosing patients then completing the appropriate paperwork detailing their treatment and progress. By correcting spinal misalignment using manual manipulation, chiropractors relieve tension and lessen the pain caused by the misalignment.
Education and Training
In order to practice as a chiropractor, an individual must complete two to four years of undergraduate study, working toward a bachelor's degree, plus a four-year chiropractic college course, and receive passing scores on both national and state exams. Completion of a chiropractic program requires 4,200 hours of training in classroom, lab and clinical settings. Upon completion of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, an individual must be certified by the state in which they choose to practice.
Benefits
According to a study conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine, the average salary for experienced chiropractors was $94,454 in 2009. Those who choose to join an established practice will receive health benefits, retirement options and vacation time provided by their employer, while those who choose to operate their own practice will have the benefit of being their own boss but will have to provide their own insurance and retirement plans. A non-financial benefit of becoming a chiropractor is the ability to help people through their ailments naturally without the pressure of surgery and medications.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for chiropractors are expected to increase 20 percent by 2018. Therefore job prospects will be good, especially for those looking to join a multi-practice office in which a chiropractor, medical doctor and physical therapist work under one roof, keeping patients in-house while giving them the option to seek alternative treatments.
History of Chiropractic Care
According to the American Chiropractic Association, accounts of chiropractic care date back to the beginning of recorded time. In the United States, chiropractic treatment gained popularity in the late 19th century. The first school of chiropractic care, the Palmer School of Chiropractic, was established in 1897 by Daniel David Palmer. This establishment remains one of the most well-known chiropractic schools in the nation. Throughout the 20th century, the popularity of chiropractic care expanded.
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