A chiropractor is a practitioner who treats patients' ailments or pains in the back or shoulders. This is done by performing several techniques and movements on the spinal cord or shoulders, so the ailing body parts are pushed back into their proper places. The chiropractor must be trained and educated to complete this job, along with gain and perfect specific chiropractor skills.
Knowledge of the Spine
A chiropractor works to heal a patient's problems with the muscles or bones. While some chiropractors treat general bones and muscles, others focus primarily with the human spine according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is because spine misalignment can interfere with the nervous system and be the result of diminished health. These specialized chiropractors must be able to define the problems with the patient's spine and manipulate it in ways that relieve the pain.
Ability to Move Bones
Another skill that chiropractors should have that could be considered special is the ability to move bones as part of the treatment process. Once the troubling bone or ailment has been identified, the chiropractor must have the ability to push the bone back into its proper place, so it does not cause any internal damage or pain for the patient. This technique is common and requires strength and finesse. The chiropractor must also perform this technique in a manner that does not cause pain or frighten the patient.
Using Additional Procedures
Although a chiropractor often heals patients by physically moving or pushing bones or muscles back into place, a special skill is being able to recognize when other procedures may be beneficial. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chiropractors also use heat, light, massages, electrical currents, acupuncture and water to heal the ailments and pains the patient has. Other healing techniques include braces, shoe inserts, tape of various kinds and straps to hold a muscle or bone in place.
X-ray Readings
Another important skill a chiropractor must have is the ability to read and understand X-ray scans that show a patient's spine or bones. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this skill is an important part of a chiropractor's job. A patient may suffer from a misalignment or misplaced bone that the chiropractor may not be able to locate through the simple touch. After doing an X-ray scan, the chiropractor must be able to identify the misaligned bone or problems with the spine, so he can begin treatment.
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