Career Profile: Chiropractors
This is an astounding statistic: did you know that close to 2 million people in Ontario regularly see chiropractors? Chiropractors are a regulated health care profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders. Patients may either seek out chiropractors directly or be referred for chiropractic care by their family physician.
What is the role of a chiropractor?
Using manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine, chiropractors frequently treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headache, whiplash, strains and sprains, repetitive strain injury, work and sports injuries, and arthritis. Some patients may find chiropractic care appealing because it is non-invasive. Chiropractors may also advise patients on nutrition, diet, exercise, and ergonomics, all contributing to the overall health of the patient.
Where do chiropractors work?
Chiropractors may work for themselves in a solo clinic or a group may band together to open a multi-chiropractor clinic. Other health care settings, such as family health clinics and hospitals, are also possible future employment opportunities. As the case with other health care professions, experienced chiropractors may become involved with education, research, government, advocacy, and regulation.
How do you become a chiropractor?
Ontario’s Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is a school devoted to training future chiropractors, and their curriculum ensures students receive a thorough knowledge of anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, chiropractic principles, diagnosis and adjustment techniques. Chiropractors have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, earned after graduating from an accredited chiropractic institution and logging more than 4200 hours of clinical training. (So when visiting a chiropractor, make sure you address them as Dr.) In order to practice, a graduate must pass the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board Exams, which consist of both written and clinical skills testing.
Although chiropractic care is considered alternative medicine, it is still a respected and regulated health care profession caring for millions of people across Canada. Becoming a chiropractor is definitely not an effortless career path, but this discipline may appeal to you if you like caring for patients manually and being able to provide counselling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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