What is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a healthcare specialist that is dedicated to the study of the human nervous system. The chiropractic profession is recognized in 70 countries worldwide. In the United States, it is the third largest health profession.
A chiropractor completes between 5-7 years of graduate studies depending on the country. Richard Sillipp is graduated in the United States at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
The objective of the chiropractor is for the nervous system to function at 100% of its capability all the time! A healthy nervous system means the body can heal more easily from illnesses and adapt better to daily stresses, thus increasing the overall quality of health of an individual.
In 2 years Italy will have its own, chiropractic college taught in Rome and affilated with Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta, USA.
The chiropractor uses manual adjustments which are non-painful but very specific, high velocity/low amplitude thrust on the misaligned joints in order to reestablish the proper communication and function between the body and the brain. The adjustments are normally applied to the vertebrae of the spine, the cranium and the pelvis which protect the nervous system.
The following table shows a comparison of required hours of study for both Chiropractic and Medicine in the United States where both careers are of 7 ½ years duration.
Once the degree of Doctor of chiropractic is obtained, the chiropractor must pass the National (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners) and State exams (State Board of Chiropractic) to be able to practice in any specific state of the USA.
In addition to obtaining the doctorate degree, the chiropractor must complete annual postgraduate training courses to keep updated within the field of continuing education; thus maintain their qualification at a current level of proficiency.
| SUBJECT | CHIROPRACTIC2 | MEDICINA 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | 450 | 390 |
| Embryology, Histology, Cytology | 195 | 120 |
| Biochemistry | 180 | 240 |
| Microbiology | 135 | 80 |
| Physiology, Pathology, Neurology, Diagnostics | 1380 | 1260 |
| Radiology | 225 | 120 |
| Genetics | 15 | 80 |
| Pediatrics, Geriatrics | 90 | 220 |
| Gynecology | 75 | 180 |
| Psychology | 90 | 160 |
| Dermatology | 45 | 70 |
| Toxicology | 45 | 40 |
| Research | 45 | 140 |
| TOTAL HOURS: | 2970 | 3100 |
| Other subjects specific to each field of study: | ||
| Chiropractic | Pharmacology | |
| Nutrition | Clinic | |
| Clinic | Elective Subjects | |
| Elective Subjects | ||
| TOTAL HOURS: | 2330 | 2300 |
| TOTAL CUMULATIVE HOURS | 5300 | 5400 |
