Many people may already hear about Chiropractic but not all of us are familiar with this term though it already existed for more than 112 years. Chiropractic is a form of alternative health care or complementary and alternative medicine that focuses on the structure of our body specifically to our spine, nerves, muscles and all its related functions.

The primary concept of Chiropractic is that the misalignment of the spine (subluxations) is the cause of many disorders or illnesses in our body. Chiropractic’s most significant contribution to health care is probably the discovery of therapeutic effects of spinal manipulation that are proven to help those people with muscular, skeletal and nervous ailments.

Chiropractic came in a Greek words cheir and praxis which literally means hand and action or done by hand. Chiropractic treatment primarily involves the use of hands to manipulate and adjust the structure of our body and it does not make use of any surgery or operation in treating spinal and muscular related ailments. The principle behind Chiropractic as alternative medical system was discovered by Daniel David Palmer. Chiropractic health care originally evolved in Unites States and is now a licensed form of health care in all its states. The Chiropractic treatment is likewise being practice in Canada, UK and to more than 100 nations across the world.

Though Chiropractic is considered as alternative or non-traditional form of health care and is clearly separated from the American Medical Association, Chiropractic practice is individually regulated by the government across the United States. Licensed individuals who practice chiropractic medical system are referred to as Chiropractors, chiropractic physicians or doctors of chiropractic.

To be a qualified Chiropractor, you need to have at least three years of pre-professional study in college prior to four year resident study in an accredited college of Chiropractic. As of today, the United States has 17 accredited chiropractic colleges in the USA. The accreditation of chiropractic schools is given by the Council on Chiropractic Education that is certified by the U.S. Department of Education.

After completing the degree of Chiropractic, they need to take a state licensure board examination in order to practice Chiropractic. Furthermore, majority of states in the US require Chiropractors to have continuing education credits to maintain their Chiropractic licenses.

The Chiropractic is also covered by majority of health maintenance organizations, private health care insurances and even the compensation systems of state workers. And from 35,000 Chiropractors in the United States way back 1980s, statistics said that there is now approximately 70,000 Chiropractors in the United States, 5000 in Canada and 1300 in the United Kingdom.

The practice styles of Chiropractors nowadays are divided into several Chiropractic health care approaches like traditional straight, mixer, objective straight and reform; but all of them strictly adhere to the precise adjustment of musculoskeletal of the body system and are using non-invasive or non-surgery treatments.

And one more good thing about Chiropractic is that there are continuous research studies to strengthen and expand the scientific understanding of this form of alternative medical system. An example of agency that supports researches for the advancement of Chiropractic is the National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Merry Jazz
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/understanding-chiropractic-as-an-alternative-to-traditional-medicine-115547.html

I am a final year BSC biotechnology student. I am very keen to find a career in chiropractic medicine.Please help me to find the relevant information about the colleges offering courses and How to proceed ?

There are no schools in india. The only schools outside the United States are in Australia, England, Paris.
Go to life chiropractic college web page http://www.life.edu/
they can provided you with any information you need. I hope this helps you.

General Education

English Language Skills – 6 semester hours
Psychology – 3 semester hours
Social Sciences or Humanities – 15 semester hours

Biological/Physical Sciences

Biological Sciences – 6 semester hours

Coursework must include pertinent laboratory experiences.

Chemistry – 12 semester hours

The chemistry requirement may be met with at least 3 semester hours of general or inorganic chemistry and at least 6 semester hours of organic chemistry and/or biochemistry courses with unduplicated content. At least 6 semester hours of the chemistry courses must include pertinent related laboratory experiences.

Physics and related studies – 6 semester hours

The physics requirement may be met with either one or more physics courses with unduplicated content (of which one must include a pertinent related laboratory), or 3 semester hours in physics (with laboratory) and 3 semester hours in either biomechanics, kinesiology, statistics, or exercise physiology.

Students who hold a degree leading to licensure/registration in a health science discipline at the baccalaureate level or above with an earned cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on a scale of 4.00, or who hold a baccalaureate degree with an earned grade point average of at least 3.25 on a scale of 4.00, may be admitted to the DCP upon presenting evidence that their academic preparation substantially meets the requirements for admission consistent with those noted above.

Some state licensing boards may require additional education upon beginning a chiropractic program. Students should consult with the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards at www.FCLB.org.

Additional Courses
Additional semester and/or quarter hours of transferable elective courses may be needed to fulfill the required minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours. Courses That Meet Admission Requirements

Biological/Physical Sciences: Animal/vertebrate/general biology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, cell biology, microbiology.

General or Inorganic Chemistry: General or inorganic chemistry with labs in a sequence leading up to organic chemistry.

Organic Chemistry: Usually titled Organic Chemistry I and II (III).

Physics: These courses can be an algebra/trigonometry-based sequence and need not be calculus-based. Can be titled General or Principles of Physics I and II (III).

Psychology: Usually titled General or Introductory Psychology.

Communication and/or Language Skills: Composition and speech courses (e.g., English 101, English 102, Speech 101, etc.).

Humanities: Art/art history, cinema/film, classics, drama, fine arts, foreign language, journalism (intro only), linguistics, literature, logic, music, philosophy, radio and television, religions studies, theatre.

Social sciences: Anthropology (not physical), child development, economics, education (history of education), geography (not physical), government, history, minority studies, political science, psychology, sociology.

I’ve been seeing a chiropractor (actually, two) for the past couple of months to treat a disc bulge, which has also been referred to on a few different occasions as a torn disc and cervical disc. We don’t know the actual extent of the bulge because I have not had an MRI. The pain has been tolerable (somewhat dull and nagging), but chronic. Chiropractic has helped, but the condition is still there. What are some other options?

Pain management Dr. will help. He will know what is the best thing for you. Insurance is a Must. It can be very costly, but well worth it. Deep massages are very good also. At least once a week at first. Be sure to tell your therapist about your condition. It is such a relief when you get one. Good luck to you.