The Rising Profession
Author: Dr. Maria Parisien, Chiropractor
How long does it take to become a chiropractor?
The short answer 7-8 years of full-time study.
Chiropractors must complete a pre-chiropractic education program consisting of a minimum of 3 full years of study in a university institution. Quite commonly Chiropractors obtain their Bachelor Degree before entering the college. Once accepted Chiropractors must graduate from an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program, consisting of 4,200 hours (another 4 years) of full time study. Chiropractors learn through courses like anatomy, neurology, radiology, pathology (to name a few) and hands on clinical training to become skillful diagnosticians. They must pass 3 board exams and an exam to be able to practice in their respective province.
Did you know that in recent years there has been an increasing number of professional athletes and teams that have chosen chiropractors to help treat their injuries? Top athletes like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Spieth, and Phil Mickelson (to name a few) have identified the value in good chiropractic care and have integrated it into their health and wellness regimen.
With back pain being a world-wide epidemic, and the surge this takes on the emergency rooms, chiropractors are more commonly getting referred to by specialists and family doctors.
11 million Canadians suffer from an injury or disorder that affects their movement.
1 in every 8 report a chronic back issue
~1 in every 3 report activity limitations due to back pain
The good news? Chiropractors are spine, muscle, and nervous system experts. They can help you to reduce pain, restore function and improve your quality of life!
Did you also know that the American College of Physicians recently published new best practice guidelines for conservative management (meaning management that does not require a medicinal or surgical intervention) of non-radicular mechanical lower back pain. Recommendations include the obvious things like exercise AND GUESS WHAT else is on there? Acupuncture & spinal manipulation therapy!!! Chiropractors are battling local, outdating misconceptions about how we treat, while the current best practice guidelines by the American College of Physicians is actually recommending them!!! The latest guidelines recommend not to go for the pills as a first-step due to lack of effectiveness.
Lastly, although every chiropractor undergoes similar education and training this does not dictate how we treat. Similar to every other health care profession, if a previous experience did not meet your expectations, I encourage you to reconsider and let our chiropractors know of your hesitation. Don’t let misconceptions, one bad experience or preconceived notion hold you back from getting the help you need.
