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Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) students at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) are asked all kinds of questions, from the history of the chiropractic profession to how chiropractors use adjustments to treat patients. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what chiropractors do, read on for the answers to our DC students’ top three most frequently asked questions.
The chiropractic profession has existed since September 18, 1895, when Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment. Manual healing methods can be traced back to parallel developments in many parts of the world, including ancient China and Greece. Even Hippocrates, the renowned Greek physician venerated as the “father of medicine,” recognized the potential therapeutic connection between spinal manipulation and overall well-being.
Dr. Minora Paxton became the first licensed chiropractor in the U.S. in 1904, and by 1913, legislators passed the first chiropractic statute in Kansas. Today, all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories license chiropractors, along with more than 40 countries worldwide.
SCU was founded by Dr. Charles and Linnie Cale as a chiropractic school in 1911 when modern chiropractic was only 16 years into its history.
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is the art of using specific force in a precise direction, applied to a subluxated joint, or “locked up,” or not moving properly. This is a safe and natural procedure that can help eliminate interference to your nervous system, and improve spinal function and your overall health. Additional benefits include an increased range of motion and reduced nerve irritability.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors can also utilize therapeutic exercises and other manual techniques to alleviate pain and enhance overall well-being. Chiropractic adjustments can be used to treat neck pain, lower back pain, chest pain, and more.
Chiropractors perform thorough evaluations before they recommend any treatment. This includes a physical examination and may include other tests, such as X-rays. This helps chiropractors provide the best treatment by increasing your chances of recovery and pain management.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, or headaches, consider booking an appointment to see a chiropractor for a consultation to see how they might be able to assist you.
For students looking to pursue a career in chiropractic, SCU’s Doctor of Chiropractic program provides the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to excel as a chiropractor.
SCU’s model of experiential learning in interprofessional settings combines learning alongside other healthcare disciplines, coursework, clinical experiences, community engagement, and campus clubs to expose students to a variety of philosophies, practices and treatment options; help students develop a broad base of knowledge; and prepare future healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of integrative, evidence and team-based, whole-person healthcare.
Located in one of the most vibrant areas of the country, SCU gives students the benefits of learning and practicing in culturally and clinically diverse settings. In addition, SCU offers multiple paths for students to customize their academic experience with 22 credits of electives, including courses in Sports Medicine, Eastern Medicine, Functional Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, and more. To learn more, visit scuhs.edu/doctoral-degrees/doctor-of-chiropractic/.