Chiropractic is a science, art, and philosophy that concerns itself with the relationship between the nervous system and the function (health) of the body.

The Science: Since its beginning, chiropractic has been based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body.

Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal malfunction, the art of correcting them, and the philosophy of things natural.

The Art: After a thorough examination and a review of your health history, your chiropractic doctor will recommend a specific care program. If yours is a chiropractic case, this will include specific spinal adjustments.

The word adjustment describes hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to a more normal position and motion. When spinal function is improved, nervous system function (health) can improve too.

After years of training, chiropractic doctors become experts at using just the right amount of force in the right direction. This may require a quick movement or in other instances a slow and constant pressure. Chiropractic is truly an art.

The Philosophy: Besides the science and art, chiropractic has a philosophical aspect. Chiropractic doctors recognize that regardless of the type of doctor you consult, doctors don't heal, only the body can heal itself. So your chiropractic doctor's main purpose is to reduce interference to your inborn healing ability.

YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTROLS EVERYTHING!

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of your body.

THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE

A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for a care program designed for your age, condition, and lifestyle.

Landmark Legal Decision Supports Chiropractic

Further validation of chiropractic care evolved from an antitrust suit which was filed by four members of the chiropractic profession against the American Medical Association (AMA) and a number of other health care organizations in the U.S. (Wilk et al v. AMA et al, 1990).
Following 11 years of litigation, a federal appellate court judge upheld a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Getzendanner that the AMA had engaged in a "lengthy, systematic, successful and unlawful boycott" designed to restrict cooperation between MDs and chiropractors in order to eliminate the profession of chiropractic as a competitor in the U.S. health care system.
Judge Getzendanner rejected the AMA's patient care defense, and cited scientific studies which implied that "chiropractic care was twice as effective as medical care in relieving many painful conditions of the neck and back as well as related musculo-skeletal problems."
Since the court's findings and conclusions were released, an increasing number of medical doctors, hospitals, and health care organizations in the U.S. have begun to include the services of chiropractors.

Qualifications for Practicing Chiropractic

In order to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic, an individual must meet stringent testing, academic and professional requirements. Currently, an individual must complete the four major steps shown below in order to become a chiropractic practitioner:

1. Complete required general college-level studies (Bachelor's degree required by some states)
2. Obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and complete clinical externship through an accredited four-year chiropractic college program
3. Pass required National Board or other exams
4. Meet individual state requirements for licensure

CHIROPRACTIC TRAINING

Government inquiries as well as independent investigations by medical practitioners, have affirmed that today's chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard to medical training in all pre-clinical subjects. High standards in chiropractic education are maintained by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and its Commission on Accreditation, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some Chiropractic colleges require a Bachelor's degree before enrollment.
A doctor of chiropractic's training generally requires a minimum of six years of college study (two years of which are undergraduate course work) and an internship prior to entering practice. Postdoctoral training in a variety of clinical disciplines and specialties is also available through accredited colleges and specialty councils.

CHIROPRACTIC LICENSING

Chiropractic is one of many occupations which are regulated by state licensing agencies. The requirements for chiropractic licensure vary from state to state (and country to country). Some states require a Bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for licensure.
To assist the various regulatory agencies in assessing candidates for licensure, the National Board administers examinations to individuals currently, in the chiropractic educational system or who have completed a chiropractic educational program. The National Board also offers an examination designed for previously licensed individuals. A candidate for chiropractic licensure may request that transcripts of scores from National Board examinations be forwarded to licensing agencies which assess eligibility for licensure.
Scores from National Board examinations are made available to licensing agencies throughout the U.S. and in some foreign countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.