10 Reasons to Become A Chiropractor

Chiropractors are licensed Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) also known as chiropractic physicians. They are trained extensively in the biomechanics of the body as a whole and on improving the relationship between the structure and function of the body. There are many reasons to consider a career as a chiropractor and ten of them are highlighted below.

1 - Rewarding work
A chiropractor's work is very rewarding. Chiropractors help individuals to improve their overall health and wellness, avoid injuries, recover from injuries, and manage or eliminate pain and dysfunction.

2 - Respected work
Chiropractic is recognized by the National Institutes of Health as an effective healthcare practice. Researchers worldwide have published studies and continue to study and report on the many positive effects of chiropractic care. Chiropractors have helped millions of people rehabilitate from chronic and debilitating pain and dysfunction. Celebrities, professional athletes, and military veterans are among the many who have been helped by chiropractic and who act as spokespersons for The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

3 - Accredited academic work
Doctors of Chiropractic must earn an advanced degree from a nationally accredited college or university. There are 16 accredited programs in the U.S. The Doctor of Chiropractor Degree combines classroom learning, laboratory, and clinical experience.

4 - Professional state license
A chiropractor can only practice in the state or states where he or she is licensed. All states require a passing score on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test in addition to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree to be eligible for a state license. This helps to ensure the quality and integrity of the profession.

5 - More than just back treatment
Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of chiropractic not only for back pain but also other pain and dysfunction throughout the body. Chiropractors are trained to address the biomechanics of the body as a whole. They regularly treat patients for leg, back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain; headaches; fibromyalgia; arthritis; digestive disorders; and many other ailments.

6 - Proactive care
Chiropractors are advocates for healthy lifestyles and injury prevention. They regularly treat patients for general health and fitness to prevent injury before it occurs. Many athletes see a chiropractor as part of their training regime. The health benefits received from chiropractic care can lead to a greatly improved quality of life.

7 - Holistic care
Chiropractic is an all-natural healing and wellness healthcare practice. It has helped millions of patients worldwide to avoid the high costs, risks, and potential side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals or surgery.

8 - Covered by most health insurance
Medicare and most health insurance companies cover chiropractic visits. Research has shown chiropractic to be an effective preventative and rehabilitative therapy. It has helped many people avoid costly and invasive surgeries.

9 - Be your own boss
Most chiropractors have a solo practice, which allows them to be their own boss. A starting chiropractor will typically work for an established chiropractor in the beginning before venturing into solo practice.

10 - Job outlook good
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor of Bureau Statistics, "employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations." 1

References:

U.S. Department of Labor, Labor of Bureau Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Chiropractors. Retrieved February 29, 2012 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos071.htm.