Expert: Dr. Kevin D. Kanz - 12/10/2004

Question
I have considered a career in Chiropractic Health for many years. I am currently studying Biology, and, I am not really sure if I am on the right path. I was wondering if you could give me advice as to a major, and an estimation of how long to expect to be in school?  Any other information or advice would be much appreciated.  Thanks, Barry

Answer
Dear Barry,
Sounds like you're on the right track.  Any major in the natural scieces should get you on your way.  I got my undergraduate degree in nursing and was able to finish my academic and clinical work in three years.  Try these links for answers to the most common questions about careers in chiropractic.  Hope this helps...
~Dr.K
<http://www.cce-usa.org/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf>

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts focused on human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider people as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biomechanical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, and emotional and environmental relationships.

The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, and most specifically the spinal column. Included is the treatment of abnormalities to address functional disorders.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and does not include pharmaceuticals or surgery. Chiropractic manipulation is one of several established forms of treatment used for back problems. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment options, manipulation is receiving much more widespread attention. Chiropractic manipulation, also frequently called the chiropractic adjustment, is the form of manipulation that has been most extensively used by Americans for the last one hundred years.

Satisfied chiropractic patients already know that DCs are uniquely trained and experienced in diagnosing back problems and are the doctors most skilled in using manipulation for the treatment of back pain and related disorders (source: American Chiropractic Association). World class medical and research institutions such as The Texas Back Institute, Bethesda Navel Medical Center and The Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders provide access to chiropractic care and employ chiropractic physicians.

Additional Links:
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/ahcpr/uschiros.htm
http://www.fcer.org/
http://www.chiro.org/
http://www.acatoday.com