Chiropractic Career, Essay Example

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a chiropractic as, “a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures (as the spinal column).”  The profession began in the 1890’s when Daniel David Palmer realized that some diseases could be cured by fixing a patient’s back.  Since then chiropractors have helped countless patients world-wide (“Chiropractic”).  But what does it take to be a chiropractor, and who are they?

A chiropractor is responsible for helping people in way that traditional medicine might be unable to.  This includes mainly working on people’s backs and spinal cords.  A good chiropractor is also responsible for knowing what things they can do and what things they can’t fix, and they know where to refer patients for more help (Lampenstein).

There are several different types of chiropractors, and their daily schedules and earnings have a big range, too.  Some chiropractors have their own practices, which means they can work out of whatever kind of office they want or even their own houses.  Some work for other chiropractors, or as part of health and wellness clinics.  Some even work for hospitals and research institutions.  The American Association of Chiropractors says that the average pay in the United States is $81,500 after taxes.

Many skills are needed to be a successful chiropractor.  It is important to be friendly to develop good relations with patients and make them feel comfortable.  You must be physically strong enough to work on people’s spines.  You also have to be observant, and smart enough to diagnose different problems  (Lampenstein).

These last two skills can only come through education and experience.  In order to become a chiropractor a student would have to earn a First Professional Degree.  Then they would need to pass a board examination to become licensed to practice.  In Florida, its possible to study at Palmer College of

Chiropractic.  Another option is to study out of state at Life University School of Chiropractics in Georgia (Fiske 134).  A similar profession is acupuncture, which can also be studied at various schools around the country.

As chiropractics becomes more and more accepted in this country, the demand will grow.  The American Association of Chiropractors says, “the general outlook in the field continues to be very bright as the baby boomer generation matures to the needs of our profession.”  (Lukacs)

For me, I think this job would be good.  I like to help people, and I know from personal experiences how important it is to have a good, healthy back.  It would be a great advantage to be paid for doing something I find meaningful and interesting.  Another advantage would be the fact that chiropractors make good money and have a good future.  Some disadvantages include having to pass a test to get licensed and maybe having to deal with the stress of being responsible for suffering patients.

I believe I would make a good chiropractor, because I care about people and I am able to learn.  Being a chiropractor would make me happy, which is important because at the end of the day I’d be proud about my work and my patients would know that they are in good hands.  Like Dr. Lampenstein told me, “stay healthy, in body and mind- and have fun!”

Personal Interview With Dr. Eric Lampenstein:

How Did You Become a Chiropractor?

I wasn’t interested in traditional medicine, but I was still interested in healing people.  But it wasn’t until I got into a car accident myself and had to seek alternative healthcare that I became interested in the chiropractic profession.  After a bit of research, I determined it might be the right career for me.  I had already received a Bachelors of Science degree from Arizona State, so it a lot of the training really carried over.  After passing the board exam and getting licensed to practice in Florida, I worked under another chiropractor for about four years.  This served as a very valuable training for me, so by the time I was able to set up a private practice I was confident in my own skills.  I started my own practice because I was confident I had my own vision of whole body wellness and I wanted to see if I could put it into practice.  It’s been a wild ride, but now here I am!  And to tell you the truth I’ve loved every minute of the work and never second guessed my decision.

What Is Your Favorite Part About Being a Chiropractor?

As opposed to being a medical doctor, I appreciate the fact that I have a hands-on ability to work with my patients and get involved with their whole health.  So many of my doctor friends find themselves in an endless cycle of prescribing medication but never find the fulfillment of bringing well-being back into a patient’s life.  I put a great deal of faith in the medical profession, and I have a great deal of respect for its practitioners.  But for me, I determined long ago that wasn’t my path.  I like being a chiropractor because I find great meaning in the whole health experience.

What Is The Most Challenging Part?

What really bothers me is the suspicion many people harbor for non-traditional medical procedures.  Things are getting a little better in this respect as the values of chiropractics speak for themselves, but the barrier still exists.  Its hard to see people who may benefit from my profession block themselves off to perspective healing because of prejudice and misunderstood notions.

What Advise Would You Give to a Future Chiropractor?

Get a good foundation in the sciences before branching off into chiropractics.  That being said, I think it is also important to get a well rounded education in order to be a whole, happy person that can connect in a meaningful ways with your patients.  Also, become familiar with your own body.  Feel connected to it and know it.  It will help you in understanding others, and help you in knowing your own limits.  Stay healthy, in body and mind- and have fun!

Work Cited

Lukacs, Caitlan.  “Your Career in Chiropractic.”  2008.  The American Chiropractic Association.  Oct. 19, 2009           <http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=33&T2ID=203>

“Chiropractic.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 19 Oct 2009,  21 Oct 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chiropractic&oldid=320835385>.

Lampenstein, Dr. Eric.  Personal INTERVIEW 20 October 2009

Fiske, Edward.  Fiske Guide to Colleges 2008.  New York: Sourcebooks College, 2008