The Origin and Development of Chiropractic: The Cornerstone of the Preparation of Chiropractic Doctors

Chiropractic care has a very long history. In 2700 B.C. and 1500 B.C., spinal manipulation was already discussed in Chinese and Greek texts, which spoke of its role in lowering pain, and caring for the lower extremities. Hippocrates, the distinguished Greek doctor, also spoke about the effectiveness of chiropractic care. His words were, Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.?

Spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, received mainstream attention in the U.S. by the end of the 19th century. Then in 1895, Daniel David Palmer established the profession of chiropractic in a town in Iowa. The Palmer School of Chiropractic was set up by Mr. Palmer, who possessed an extensive knowledge in physiology and anatomy. As a solid college of chiropractic care, this school retains one of the best reputations.

In the United States, chiropractic care gained legal recognition across the all fifty states in the 20th Century. The world has increasingly supported chiropractic care as a result of its establishment in the U.S. The contributions of chiropractic professionals and clinical results of worldwide research have had a tremendous impact on the perception of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic in New Zealand (1979), a report that supported the mutual collaboration of traditional physicians and chiropractic doctors, convincingly discussed the effectiveness of chiropractic care. A Canadian study called Manga (1983), showed the cost benefits of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care has long been a champion of preventative, non-invasive care in its scientific treatment approaches to treat a variety of ailments. A continuing emphasis on research poises chiropractic care to make ongoing contributions to the care of ailments.

Chiropractic Training and Education: Chiropractic schooling consists of four to five years of training and education at an accredited chiropractic institution. These students are required to complete a minimum of 4,200 hours of lab, classroom, and clinical study and practice. As established by The Council of Chiropractic Education, at least 90 hours must come from undergraduate, science-related classes. In order to be a doctor of chiropractor, students must take the national board exam, as well as additional exams assigned by the state in which the person intends to practice.

The chiropractic curriculum has a comprehensive scope, giving the student the ability to fully understand the body's structure and function, dealing with clinical sciences and its related topics. Training in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, differential diagnosis, radiology, and therapeutic methods are all required. This allows the chiropractor to diagnose and provide treatment, unlike other non-physician status practitioners.

The Council on Chiropractic Education describes doctors of chiropractic as primary care providers. In most states in the U.S., chiropractors are considered to be physicians. Indeed, the term doctor is reasonable, and Medicare recognizes this as well. The American Chiropractic Association also supports the use of chiropractic physician to refer to chiropractors; they discuss the designation in their Policies on Public Health.

Chiropractic doctors employ a conservative, natural treatment approach, which relies on the body's ability to heal on its own accord. It does not employ medication or recommend surgeries. By focusing on biomechanics, the spine's structure and function along with their impact on the musculoskeletal and neurological system, chiropractic care emphasizes proper functioning of these systems in the treatment and maintenance of health.

A doctor of chiropractic is a pioneer of conservative treatment methods and the role of prevention, and a supporter of public health and wellness care. Chiropractors regularly treat a wide scope of conditions of a neuromusculoskeletal nature, such as joint pain, neck pain, and low-back pain. In addition, chiropractic doctors have the necessary training to treat conditions that are not of a neuromusculoskeletal nature, such as digestive disturbances and allergies. Tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and sprains and strains can also be addressed with chiropractic care.

Time has taught chiropractic doctors of means to effectively promote health. Chiropractic care continues to invest in furthering its scope and techniques.