Chiropractic Medicine not just for aches and pains

Chiropractic is Functional Orthopedics

The Many Benefits of Chiropractic Medicine

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) obtain lengthy didactic educational hours in the following clinical fields:

  • Musculoskeletal Medicine
  • Sports Medicine
  • Therapeutic Modalities and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Clinical Biomechanics and Orthopaedics
  • Manipulation and Mobilization Techniques

While Chiropractors do help with sports injuries, neck and back pains, Chiropractic is a form of functional orthopaedics, it is a wellness approach to help correct poor biomechanics and bad posture, basically enhancing performance. This is why many professional athletes visit a chiropractor on regular basis, for sports injuries definitely, but most importantly to enhance function in competitive sports.  Doctors of Chiropractic often work collaboratively in multidisciplinary setting, with physicians (MDs), Physical Therapists (PTs)  as well as other health care professionals.

How Chiropractic Works ?

  • By restoring normal biomechanics of the entire MSK system
  • By reducing nerve “interference” or “irritation”
  • With optimal functioning kinematics and nervous system, there is less stress on the muscles, joints and nervous system, as well as on innervated organs.

Here is an example

Patient: 24 years old, Basketball Player, Right Dominant Arm

Functional complaint: limited ability to control the ball with his right arm, as before. Patient declines any history of trauma, injuries, and there is no aches or pains.

Focused Medical Examination: X-rays and ultrasound to the right shoulder were ordered, revealed no pathology, no dislocation, or soft tissue trauma.

Focused Chiropractic Examination: On examination the Chiropractor discovers tight or spastic muscles, in the upper back and right shoulder, accompanied with limited active range of motion of the right shoulder, the Chiropractor further reassessment reveals that this “dysfunction” is attributed to hypomobile spinal segments of the C7-T3, in addition to multiple trigger points located in the trapezius, and levator scapula muscles.

Chiropractic Treatment: Spinal Adjustments to the hypomobile segments, acupuncture over specific trigger points, application of moist heat , electrical muscle stimulation and massage to relax tight muscles, and prescribed specific rehab exercises to the upper back, neck and shoulders.

About the DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) Credential

In order to become a licensed Chiropractor, one must complete 8 years of post secondary, full time, university level education, complete a compulsory ONE year internship, and pass regulatory licensure examinations.

  • Undergraduate: Attend 4 years of university undergraduate studies in the general sciences, and complete all required pre-med prerequisites.
  • Chiropractic Doctorate: The DC student has to attend an accredited Chiropractic College* for 4 years: 2 years of Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology etc..), followed by 2 years of clinical sciences (Internal Medicine, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, etc.) the 4th year is an internship year.
  • Licensure**: in order to become a licensed DC, the Chiropractor has to pass basic sciences and clinical sciences board examinations in addition to an OSCE (Practical.)

* Accredited Chiropractic college are regulated under the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE) 

** In the US, the DC must complete steps 1-4 of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), while in Canada, the DC, has to complete steps 1-3 (similar to the NBCE) of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB)

For More information about Chiropractic, please visit:

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