What is Chiropractic? Dr. Annette Bourdon, Chiropractor, DC,

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that focuses on homeostasis, the human body’s self-regulated ability to keep all systems functioning optimally, and to heal itself without medication or surgery. It focuses on the relationship between structure and function, namely, of the core structure (the spine), and the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all bodily functions.

The chiropractic approach is both preventative and curative, striving to help patients with the preservation and/or restoration of health. The objective is not only to relieve, but also to prevent, symptoms and pain that are linked to improper functioning of the spinal column or joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles). In order to achieve this, the chiropractor primarily uses chiropractic adjustments, a specialized form of joint manipulation.

Trained to provide you with the best advice to enhance your potential for ideal health and wellness while helping to prevent the onset of health issues, the chiropractor is your partner in health recovery and optimum function.

Required Academic Training

There are two academic institutions where a doctorate in chiropractic can be obtained in Canada. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto and l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). CMCC in Toronto offers a 2nd entry Baccalaureate Honours degree to qualified applicants with at least 3 years of university level education prior to admission. CMCC conducts a four-year program involving over 4200 hours of study, including two 6-month clinical internships in the fourth year. UQTR offers a five-year program with 4,969 course hours and a 16-month internship, for a total of 245 credits.

Prior to obtaining a license to practice, candidates must pass a series of competency exams administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB), as well as a Code of Ethics and Conduct exam given by the Quebec Order of Chiropractors (OCQ).

Once licensed, there are mandatory continuing education requirements that all chiropractors must complete on an annual basis to ensure that they stay up to date on current research and developments in their field, as well as in other related health care disciplines such as radiology, neurology, orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Chiropractic is a regulated health care profession. The principal mandate of the Quebec Order of Chiropractors (OCQ) is to ensure public safety. The OCQ is responsible for licensing, scope of practice, competency, continuing education, standards of practice, disciplinary hearings and sanctions.