4 Myths About Chiropractors
By Sara Butler
Chiropractic is an oft-misjudged profession. But with research mounting that shows the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for a myriad of health issues, it’s time to get real. Probably one area of chiropractic most misinterpreted is the education of a chiropractor. Let’s bust some myths and learn the reality of the education your chiropractor at The Joint receives in order to provide you with life-changing chiropractic care.
Myth No. 1: They’re Not Real Doctors
Chiropractors are doctors, honest-to-goodness authentic medical professionals. Just as with any other licensed doctor, they must fulfill qualifications for the state in which they practice as well as the country they practice in. Chiropractors have a licensing board that grants them rights to practice their techniques and legally delivers care to people just like you.
The biggest variance between chiropractors and other kinds of doctors is their approach to treatment. Chiropractors approach treatment of patients from a natural perspective, without the intervention of drugs or surgery.
Myth No. 2: Medical Doctors are More Educated than Chiropractors
In many ways, the education received by a medical doctor and chiropractor are similar. The curriculum in schools of chiropractic is rigorous, long, and demanding. Students work toward their degrees for four to five years to finish, and chiropractors take many of the same classes as medical doctors. In fact, they must be proficient in anatomy, neurology, biochemistry, pathology, and physiology in order to complete their schooling and graduate.
The average chiropractor will spend 4,822 hours completing their chiropractic education. Nearly 2,000 of those hours are done in clinicals, too. And just as their cohorts in medical school, chiropractors often complete an internship and residency.
Myth No. 3: Chiropractors Are Only Familiar with Spinal Problems
While chiropractors are qualified to perform hands-on spinal adjustments, they’re also qualified to diagnose conditions and perform clinical examinations of the whole body. Chiropractors often diagnose and treat problems not related directly to the spine and help their patients to achieve health and wellness through exercise and nutrition. Need proof that chiropractors know the medical score? Read about this doctor from The Joint who saved a man's life.
Myth No. 4: Chiropractors Can’t Be Primary Care Providers
Chiropractors are trained to do a lot of the same things a primary care physician does. They can examine you, diagnose, treat, and even refer you to other medical practitioners if your condition calls for it. The main difference between a chiropractor and a medical doctor, in this case, is that a chiropractor doesn’t prescribe medications. Conversely, if you do have back pain, a medical doctor will prescribe medicine that masks the pain but a chiropractor will remove the cause of pain.
Make sure that you get your facts straight when it comes to chiropractic care -- the health of your spine depends on it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.