Can you think of someone you interact with on a daily basis who suffers from back pain? Chances are you can pinpoint more than just one. Perhaps you suffer from some form of back pain yourself. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that as many as 80% to 90% of the entire population in the U.S. suffer from back pain. That’s an astronomical number of people in pain or at least some discomfort. Every year an approximate 50 billion American dollars are spent on treatments for back pain. A lot of that money is being dumped into expensive surgeries and in-depth procedures, but is there a better way?

Could chiropractic schools be the answer?
Some people have found affordable chiropractic care to be an ideal alternative to pricey surgery. Patients who suffer from back injuries and consult a surgeon first will likely have the expensive surgery, as opposed to those who consulted a chiropractor from the beginning. The numbers don’t lie: 42.7% of patients who first saw a surgeon went ahead with the surgery, while just 1.5% of injured workers who first sought care from a chiropractor ended up with surgery. Chiropractic services are often offered as an alternative to traditional medical services, and sometimes as a supplement. Those considering going into the profession may be looking to provide a different type of care than what medical doctors on a strict schedule and never-ending patient list can provide.

What does it take to be a chiropractor?
Chiropractic schools teach potential chiropractors to address health problems that affect the body’s nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They learn to manipulate and adjust muscles and often the spine, as many patients have issues with back and neck pain. Training for chiropractors includes the acquisition of a state license as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. These D.C. programs usually take about four years to finish, and a minimum of three years of undergraduate education is required in order to be admitted.

What’s the next step?
Once practicing chiropractic medicine, a chiropractor will need to get his or her business off the ground, something chiropractic schools may not address. Many chiropractors are self-employed and operate in private practices. As they are not part of mainstream healthcare, it may be difficult to generate interest or awareness of the business. Chiropractic consulting services and management companies help to get new businesses going and keep older businesses thriving.

Chiropractic services exist to help people feel the best that they possibly can. And if costly surgeries and procedures can be avoided in the process, doesn’t everyone win?