Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a widely debated topic in the medical world. While some people associate it with negative effects, recent studies have shown that cannabis can be beneficial in treating various medical conditions, including pain and inflammation caused by injuries.

Injury recovery can be a long and painful process, especially if the pain and inflammation persist for an extended period. Traditional treatments, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, can have side effects that affect the patient’s quality of life. However, cannabis has proven to be a promising alternative with minimal side effects.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most commonly known. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” associated with its use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Research suggests that the cannabinoids in cannabis can help manage pain and inflammation, two significant obstacles in injury recovery. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates pain and inflammation, and cannabinoids interact with this system to provide relief.

Cannabinoids can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of cytokines, which are responsible for triggering inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that cannabis can be effective in reducing inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.

Cannabis can also help manage pain associated with injury recovery. THC can help activate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms, while CBD can help reduce the intensity of pain signals. Additionally, cannabinoids can help reduce the need for traditional painkillers, which can be addictive and have adverse side effects.

Despite the potential benefits of cannabis in injury recovery, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis as a treatment. Cannabis may interact with other medications, and the dosing and method of consumption must be carefully monitored.

Cannabis has shown promising potential in managing pain and inflammation caused by injury recovery. The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s ECS to provide relief, making it a viable alternative to traditional treatments. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis as a treatment and to monitor its dosing and consumption carefully.

While chiropractors are both degreed and legitimate medical doctors that are required to have the same level of education and training as many other types of medical professionals, their practice is still often viewed with a great deal of skepticism by both the general public and much of the mainstream medical community. In fact, even the crowd-sourced information site Wikipedia remains laced with skeptical comments about the profession, even going so far as to call it a type of “pseudoscientific complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)”. In spite of the general public perception of chiropractors, however, the practice is gaining recognition as a legitimate treatment protocol for a number of ailments directly related to spinal alignment and injuries. Because the spine plays such a critical role in overall health and wellness, a visit to a chiropractor may actually help alleviate any number of other health issues ranging from asthma and allergies to chronic migraines.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION

Chiropractors are required to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree as well as be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice. In 2017, there were 15 D.C. programs available on 18 campuses across the U.S., which were accredited by the Council n Chiropractic Education. Most D.C. programs take 4 years to complete and require at least 90 hours of undergraduate coursework to have been completed prior to admission. Some programs require a bachelor’s degree for entry, which includes coursework in a range of subjects including physics, chemistry, and biology.

D.C. programs generally consist of a mix of coursework in subjects such as anatomy, biology, and physiology as well as the completion of a number of supervised clinical hours. Upon graduation, all prospective chiropractors are required to pass all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam in order to be licensed. Some states also require applicants to pass a background check and some even require that they pass certain state-specific law exams, called jurisprudence exams. Additional licensing requirements vary from state to state but all states also require licensed chiropractors to take continuing education classes in order to maintain their licensure.

SALARY

The majority of chiropractors own their own practice or work in a dedicated chiropractic clinic, while a few works in the offices of a physician. Practice sizes can vary greatly depending on how aggressively chiropractors pursue clientele. As a result, there is a fairly broad salary range among chiropractors with the lowest 10% of earners making just under $35,000 annually and the highest 10% making close to $150,000 annually and the median income coming in at around $71,000 annually.

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JOB GROWTH

The anticipated demand for chiropractors is expected to grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is slightly higher than the national average across all professions.