Anatomy is important in many allied sciences and fields of medical practice like surgeons, general physicians, orthopedics, gynecologists, and chiropractors.
Med students who are looking to pursue any specialization should get a strong foothold in anatomy and physiology.
If a student wants to know how to learn anatomy in the current age of information, then online MedTech platforms offering interactive immersive videos with simulations and 3D animations with captivating robotic movement, are the best sources to grasp the concepts.
Who is a chiropractor?
A physician who specializes in treating conditions that inflict nerve damage or musculoskeletal symptoms is a chiropractor. They tend to muscle tendons, nerve pinch, or bone and joint pains. Few common conditions and treatments that chiropractors help in healing from are:
- Occupational pain related to sitting or standing for a long time – Regular desk job, standing continuously as in cop of security guard’s position, tennis elbow, and other sports-related injuries
- Lower back pain
- Spondylitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica pain
They help in healing from stiffness in the neck, elbow, pelvis, knees, and ankles. Chiropractic adjustments don’t use drugs or medicine to alleviate pain.
A chiropractor usually talks to a patient and during the conversation with them, makes adjustments that relieve them from stiff muscles. If it is not for the anatomy training they get, this entire procedure can go wrong and paralyze a patient from the neck down for life. Hence, a chiropractor must know every nerve and muscle that forms a part of our nervous and musculoskeletal system, especially the ones connected to our motor nerves.
The only way a specialist can improve their chiropractic skills is through their anatomy and physiology foundation which helps them locate the right muscles and nerves when making adjustments for treating stiff muscles.
Anatomy in chiropractic practices
Chiropractor puts anatomy to good use. Chiropractor courses need solid knowledge about musculoskeletal and nervous system anatomy in humans. Even veterinary scientists use chiropractors’ services for pets like dogs, horses, and regular farm animals. They have to be well-versed in animal anatomy.
Chiropractors courses have similar courses for anatomy to regular med school programs. It is designed and delivered in the same pattern specifically for topographical or gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and musculoskeletal anatomy.
Students who are well versed in these anatomy topics set out to make a good career as chiropractors. With evolving long hours at work and diminishing natural exercise for limbs that helped stretch all the muscles, there will always be demand for good chiropractors.
Scope of anatomy in chiropractor courses
- Expect interesting anatomy topics
Although all the advanced topics related to anatomy and physiology are not required to be a chiropractor, it is important to learn anatomy related to nerves, muscles, and bones in addition to gross anatomy.
Other topics at the cellular level are also delved into including the physiology of the body organs so that a chiropractor can analyze the current condition before using an adjustment treatment.
- Lab Work and patient assessment
Chiropractors have to look into several X-rays, and MRI reports to assess the problem. They start their course by learning initial palpations which is the process to touch or feel the affected surface for medical diagnosis during physical examination. This is done by students by observing the organs of a fellow student.
Cadaver is used in some chiropractor courses but most schools have shifted to 3D animation with simulation to show the entire process of anatomy and related physiology figuratively through illustrations for better grasp and comprehension for students.
Alongside lab work, chiropractor courses cover patient assessment topics. This is one field that is not possible to be delivered through telehealth. However, chiropractors have extensive demand for hospital-at-home programs, and geriatric and palliative care.
- Evidence-based courses
Chiropractic courses emphasize core science related to the human body. Anatomy is regarded as a key discipline and is valued in chiropractor courses for its relevance in aiding professionals to develop their core competency in this field.
Here are a few key points to help one learn anatomy for a chiropractor course:
- Study consistently
Human anatomy and physiology are vast subjects with bewilderment that amazes even years after advanced research that demystified many assumptions. Past myths were ruled out through extensive medical studies and research.
But let the vastness or the expanse of the subject not create doubt or mental block when studying for this subject. Reading consistently, practicing with flashcards, and making notes help retain information. However, more important than that is clarity in concepts and basics that govern the anatomy courses.
- Use online resources
Online courses through Medtech platforms are helping many students comprehend difficult topics in clinical sciences. Through animations and simulations, students can grasp the concepts easily and even remember them for a long time. With smart recall quizzes at the end of every learning, online courses built an easy learning mechanism for students.
- Relax and take breaks
Anatomy courses are extensive, and chiropractor courses prepare a professional to aid patients from long-due stress. But the whole effort is pointless if you fail to take good care of yourself.
So take regular breaks to rejuvenate your mind and body, when preparing for anatomy topics in chiropractor coursework. Practice yoga and mindful focussed activities to complete more work in less time and enhance productivity.
Conclusion:
Chiropractors is an allied health practice and very useful in most healthcare settings. They are always in demand in sports arenas and with specialist sports like tennis and the Olympic teams of the country.
But to be a good chiropractor, one needs to be through with anatomy coursework. If anatomy was a topic that you just wanted to skim through just to clear an exam, think again. It is the building block for a strong foundation as a healthcare professional. Understanding the location of nerves and muscles is regarded in ancient civilizations in their medical journals. It is important in current times when desk jobs with long sitting postures have made many of the past moments and stretch vestigial for the human body.