What You Don't Know About Chiropractors May Surprise You

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - You know how comforting it is to see a degree framed on the wall when you visit some professional's office?

Well, next time you consult a doctor of chiropractic, get ready to feel very, very comforted.

That's because his or her degree attests to the rigorous training -- a minimum of seven years of higher education, including clinical patient management -- that doctors of chiropractic must complete. Not everyone, though, apparently realizes what that means in terms of better health outcomes for patients.

"Doctors of chiropractic are not only trained in problems dealing with the spine, but are formally educated in clinical examination and diagnosis -- with a focus on conservative health care interventions for the well-being of the whole person," explains Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

Among the required coursework:

* Basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, microbiology and pathology.

* Ethics and integrity.

* Clinical sciences, including nutrition, rehabilitation and therapeutic procedures.

* Research methodology.

The importance of quality education for chiropractors was recognized as early as 1935, when the National Chiropractic Association created a Committee on Educational Standards. That ultimately led to the formation of the Council on Chiropractic Education, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for schools' educational and clinical programs leading to the award of a doctor of chiropractic degree.

"They must also serve a rigorous clinical internship,"explains Dr. McAllister.

Learn more at F4CP.com.