Are chiropractors doctors? You may have heard otherwise, but this is not the case.
Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors undergo a significant amount of certification and training. According to Cleveland University, Chiropractors have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a professional institution and must be credited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is the organization that issues accreditation from medical schools.
There are many similarities in the training between traditional Medical Doctors (M.D.) and Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.), including:
- Completed an undergraduate degree focusing on a pre medical path
- Graduated from a four year degree in healthcare from a properly accredited university or college
- Proven diagnosis and treatment competence through working with patients
- Passed a comprehensive medical exam to obtain the required license
Chiropractic training
Just like with any medical profession, there are more than one path that chiropractors can choose to follow in their training. Below are some of the specialty board certificates that meet the standards of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA):
- American Chiropractic Board of Radiology Diplomate (DACBR): Chiropractic Radiologists provide special consultation in health care facilities and often act as an in house referral for medical patients experiencing pain. Another main role of Chiropractic Radiologists is to help diagnose imaging to help come up with the best path of treatment for patients.
- Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition Diplomate (DCBCN): Chiropractic Nutritionists are candidates that have completed a doctoral program in nutrition for from a chiropractic college or university for at least 300 credit hours. Nutrition plays a large role in the overall health of patients, and chiropractors treat the patient as a whole to discover underlying symptoms, not just treating the surface issue.
- International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (DIANM): Chiropractors with this subset of specialty training focus on neuromusculoskeletal medicine, which involves the evaluation and management of patients who are suffering from nervous system related pain symptoms. These chiropractors focus on evidence based and outcome driven strategies to help patients reach their goals.
- Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP): Chiropractors with this special designation shows specialized knowledge on sports injuries, and helping athletes reach their peak athletic performance.
These are only a few of the specialized chiropractic certifications that are available, but shows the level of training and expertise needed to be a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).
Science Supporting Chiropractic Treatment
The online publication Medical News Today references a 2018 review that included over 17 years of studies involving spinal manipulation and mobilization that was used in a chiropractic setting.
Overall, the lifetime presence of low back pain experienced by citizens of the United States may be as high as 84%. While traditional pain management approaches vary greatly often utilizing opioids, neurotropic medications, surgery, and steroid injections as main tools, this approach comes with many negative aspects.
One of the greatest benefits of chiropractic care is the ability to reduce pain symptoms without the risk of dependency on highly addictive substances such as opioids.
The study found with quality evidence that spinal manipulation techniques as well as mobilization were able to reduce pain and improve overall function in patients with chronic back pain. They also found both therapies to be safe for patients, and integrated programs that include both of these methodologies show promising results.
Questions To Ask Before Treatment
When considering starting a chiropractic treatment path, it is important to ask some qualifying questions to make sure that they are the right fit for you.
According to Health Line, the following are questions that you should always ask your chiropractor before starting treatment:
- What is your education license?
- How long have you been practicing chiropractic care?
- Do you have any specific areas of specialty or specific training in treating my medical condition?
- If necessary, are you willing to work with my primary care doctor to refer me to a specialist?
- With my current medical conditions, are there any risks when performing chiropractic adjustments?
Also be sure to mention any over the counter prescription medicine or supplements that you are taking, as well as any other health treatments that you are taking part in.
Chiropractic Care At South Pointe Chiropractic
At South Pointe Chiropractic all of our local chiropractors practice diversified methodologies. Each patient is unique when it comes to bio mechanics and spinal curvature. Diversified chiropractic technique is incredible for providing hyper personalized treatment, especially when compared to other spinal manipulation methods that use preconceived patterns of treatment.
Our highly trained chiropractors treat not just the problem area, but assess the person as a whole to provide them with the tools for long term healing and pain relief without relying on medications.
We offer specialties such as dry needling, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, massage cupping and much more.
Are you searching for a “chiropractor near me“?
If you live locally near the greater Denver area, give us a call at (720) 749-4712 or use our online scheduler to set up a chiropractic appointment with South Pointe Chiropractic.
