What is Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts, which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the relationships between physiological function and structural integrity. Chiropractors understand that when structural integrity of the spine and musculoskeletal system is compromised, the nervous system does not function properly which affects the function of the entire body.

The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited Chiropractic Colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the spine, extremities and adjacent tissues of the human body. Included is the treatment of intersegmental aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders. By correcting structural faults in the spine, and the rest of the musculoskeletal system, Chiropractors are able to restore function to the different systems of the body and greatly improve the health and well being of their patients.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery.

Facts on Chiropractic from WFC-WHO

Definition:
- Chiropractic (from Greek, meaning treatment by hand) is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment (Chiropractic Manipulation).
Origin and size of the profession:
- The Chiropractic profession was founded in the United States in 1895 and is now established in more than 70 countries. National Associations of Chiropractors from these countries are members of a World Federation of Chiropractic, based in Toronto, Canada, which is in official relations with the World Health Organization. The Thailand Chiropractic Association is recognized by the World Federation of Chiropractic as the official Chiropractic Association representing Thailand. There are 28 licensed Doctors of Chiropractic in Thailand, 60,000 Doctors of Chiropractic in the U.S., 6,000 in Canada and more than 90,000 Chiropractors worldwide.

Chiropractic Education

Chiropractic education varies by country but the majority of Chiropractic students acquire a bachelors degree at a regular college followed by a five academic year Chiropractic Program. The table below gives the content of a typical Doctor of Chiropractic college program in America, the birthplace of Chiropractic. In countries where Chiropractic practice is regulated by law there are postgraduate clinical training requirements after passage of a licensing examination. As with the Medical profession, there are postgraduate specialties –these include Neurology, Orthopedics, Radiology, Rehabilitation and Sports Chiropractic.

Previously almost all Chiropractors graduated from North American colleges. There are now colleges in Australia (2), Brazil (2), Canada (2), Denmark, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa (2), United Kingdom (4), and United States (17). In most countries these colleges are in affiliated with universities.

Below is an example of the Curriculum at a typical Chiropractic College. Students would attend a program like this after meeting all the pre Chiropractic requirements at a regular university.