Myth #2: Chiropactic is unscientific

Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of chiropractic research, the most of any complementary health profession.  In Canada, much of this activity is being driven by the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, which has helped to establish 10 research chairs at universities across Canada and given grants to assist Doctors of Chiropractic to complete their PhD studies.  The research is supporting what chiropractors have been doing for years, restoring normal joint function through spinal manipulation and active rehabilitation with exercise is one of the most effective treatments for uncomplicated back pain.  Current information on chiropractic research in Canada can be found at http://www.chiropracticcanada.ca/en-us/research.aspx

Myth #1: Chiropractors aren't real doctors

A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) has very similiar education to other medical professions that use the title doctor.  There is a requirement of a minimum of three years of full time university study to apply to Chiropractic College, with upwards of 80% of the class having an undergraduate degree.  The Chiropractic program is four years of full time study consisting of 4450 hours and includes courses in anatomy, pathology, orthopedics, neurology, radiology, biomechanics and chiropractic therapy.  Chiropractic students attend clinic for three years, and often have hospital rotations in that time.  After graduation, students write a set of national board exams, and than apply for a provincial license, which may include more exams and continuing education.  What gives a profession the ability to use the title "doctor" is that he/she has enough education to be able to diagnose medical conditions and determine appropriate treatment.  This is not too dissimiliar to dentists, optometrists, naturopaths, medical doctors or veterinarians.

The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto is the only English speaking chiropractic college in Canada and has been established for over seven decades.  It has a reputation of being a world class educational and research institute among the chiropractic profession.  For more information on chiropractic education go to http://www.cmcc.ca/page.aspx?pid=290.

Blogger Baby Steps

Hello Virtual World

I have taken the leap to blogging for increased exposure of evidence based chiropractic to the world.  My other forays into the technological age had been the setup of our office website http://www.whitehousewellness.com/ and monthly e-newsletters.  With increased confidence, I am going to start a blog to hopefully educate the public about chiropractic and also to dispell many chiropractic myths. 

Thanks for coming along for the ride with this "x-generation" chiropractor.