FACT: Patients do not need a referral before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations.
FACT: Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. The majority of patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but a small percentage may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
FACT: The majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans, including commercial policies, federal coverage under Medicare, Federal BCBS benefit and coverage for members of the armed forces.
Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Chiropractic physicians are the third largest group of physician level healthcare providers. The chiropractic curricula is extremely rigorous and requires four years of post graduate specialized training. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic.
Chiropractic physicians are licensed in every U.S. state and must pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exam. They are subject to licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards.
In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Chiropractic physicians are the third largest group of physician level healthcare providers. The chiropractic curricula is extremely rigorous and requires four years of post graduate specialized training. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic.
Chiropractic physicians are licensed in every U.S. state and must pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exam. They are subject to licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards.
