How to become a Chiropractor…?
What exactly is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are Doctors who practice a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
After taking a complete history and diagnosing a patient, a chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and provide dietary and lifestyle counselling. Chiropractic originally started as an alternative to medical care. The nervous system controls health and how our bodies function. Chiropractic was developed as a way to take pressure off the spine and nervous system so that the body can function and heal better on its own.
Where did you study to become a Chiropractor? Durban University of Technology
What’s a normal day Chiropractors life? A normal day for a chiropractor can be quite flexible; you get to decide your opening hours, and what your day will entail. Most Chiropractors will have busy periods when they will consult with patients; this may include assessing new patients and treating current patients, offering advice and education. Most Chiropractors I know are sporty and health conscious and will spend some time exercising or at the gym.
How long do you need to study to become a Chiropractor? 6 years
Do you need any entry-level qualifications or have to have any specific subjects at school to be able to study Chiropractor? You do not need any previous qualifications but a school back ground of science and biology is recommended. If you are selected you will be invited to an interview with Chiropractic faculty, those who are passionate and committed to becoming a Chiropractor have a better chance of being accepted.
What it the best part of being a Chiropractor? Helping people with their health problems, running your own practice, and having flexible work hours.
Any advice that you can give students that might want to take up the challenge to become a Chiropractor? Go visit as many chiropractors as you can, spend some time with them, observe them practice and ask them questions. Most chiropractors are friendly and will want to help you. This will give you a great idea if chiropractic is for you.
What are the most common reason people go to visit a Chiropractor? Most people will go to a chiropractor for back or neck pain, however Chiropractors deal with many neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors can help with wellness and preventative care, and therefore it is a good idea to have your spine and posture checked before you are in pain. Some Chiropractors will have a main focus on treating sports injuries, or paediatrics, I personally focus on posture correction and health and wellness through natural means.
Is there a big need for Chiropractors in SA? Yes. The stats show that almost 90% of people will suffer with a back problem at some point in their lives, yet a large percentage of the population have never been to a chiropractor. We will continually need more Chiropractors as Chiropractic gains more exposure, continues to grow and more people experience the benefits of chiropractic care.
Are there plenty of jobs available in South-Africa after one has completed ones studies? Most Chiropractors will either open their own private practice or work as an associate with a more established chiropractor after graduating. You really only need some basic equipment and a small space to get started.
Where can one apply for work after you have successfully completed your studies? You will need to contact other Chiropractors, medical centres, Doctors rooms etc, to see if there is a space for a Chiropractor. Alternatively find a room and start your own practice.
Is there anything specific that one needs to know before pursuing a career as a Chiropractor? To become a Chiropractor requires a lot of hard work and a lot of time, but it is well worth it.
Please tell us a bit more about yourself, and how you entered into the Chiropractor career option, example: at what age did you start studying, what made you decide to choose this career option, where did you study, and were can the local Durbanites go to see you today?
I had always thought about studying medicine but I became interested in Chiropractic after seeing how quickly my mom responded to chiropractic care. During my Std 9 work experience I observed a few Chiropractors and decided that this is what I wanted to do. I preferred the Chiropractic approach of helping people to become healthy and stay healthy through natural means, rather than waiting to get sick and then taking medication. I started studying Chiropractic at DUT in 2000, right after completing matric. After I qualified I moved to the UK to work with other Chiropractors and gain some international experience. I decided in 2011 to return to my home town of Durban and start my own practice. I practice from 105 Umhlanga Rocks Drive and my clinic is called back to Health Chiropractic. My main focus is posture correction, and helping people to not only feel better but to become healthy through natural means.
Information by Dr David Palmer
Email address: drpalmer@durbanchiro.co.za
Name of practice in Durban: Back to Health Chiropractic
Contact number: 031 5633143