Why Become A Chiropractor

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems in their musculoskeletal system. These professionals apply spinal and other techniques to help provide relief to patients with problems such as back or neck pain. Chiropractors believe that alignment of spinal joints is critical for physical well-being as misalignment interferes with patients' nervous system and results in lower resistance to diseases. They may also apply additional procedures such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and ultrasound. In addition to these, they may also work in applying supports, such as braces, straps, or treat patients to relieve pain.

Why Become A Chiropractor
The demand for chiropractic professionals is increasing as more and more people from all age groups start to choose chiropractic care. This may be because chiropractors are able to provide relief for their patients without any surgical procedures or prescribing any drugs. The chiropractic method of treating joints, knees, back, and neck may prove to be more accepted than alternative healthcare measures. Also, as the baby boomer generation ages, there is bound to be a rise in opportunities for chiropractors as older people usually suffer from musculoskeletal and joint problems. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS), the employment of chiropractors is expected to rise by 15% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.

In order to become a chiropractor, candidates are required to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), a post graduate professional degree. A state license to work is also required. Specific requirements of licensure vary by state. Usually the Doctor of Chiropractic program takes about four years to complete. Most programs require a certain amount of undergraduate course that an applicant must take, but some may require the candidate to have earned a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate coursework is usually in liberal arts and laboratory sciences.

Chiropractic education covers coursework in physiology, anatomy, biology, and related subjects. Usually the coursework is finished in the first two years of the program. After that the students gain practical clinical experience under supervision. They are trained in spinal manipulation and diagnosis. The curriculum of a D.C. program may be divided into three phases. Phase I may consist of foundation courses in basic sciences, including dissection in anatomy lab. Phase II may focus on clinical sciences, and Phase III may require an internship in a variety of clinical settings. The coursework may include the following:

• Human Biochemistry
• Cellular Physiology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Spine and Extremities
• Natural Medicine and Historical Perspectives
• Neuroanatomy
• Pathology
• Public Health
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Medical Genomics
• Head and Neck Anatomy
• Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal Physiology
• Medical Microbiology
• Science of Diet and Nutrition
• Radiation Physics and Rechnology
• Clinical Natural Medicine
• Dermatology
• Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques
• Pharmacology
• Jurisprudence and Ethics
• Radiology Management

The above mentioned courses are typical for many schools. However, please note that exact course titles may differ at each school.

Chiropractor Salary
Chiropractors usually earn more as they advance in their careers. This is because they may build a bigger client base with time or become owners or partners in a practice. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of chiropractors was $66,160 in May 2012.