Case studies: Chiropractor: Angela

After qualifying as a chiropractor in 2002, Angela successfully secured a post within a chiropractic clinic in Bristol.

There were several factors that influenced Angela’s decision to become a chiropractor. Having experienced back pain and the benefits of chiropractic treatment first-hand, she was able to understand and resolve a low back condition that had plagued her as a young adult. As a result of having her own back pain treated, Lisa was able to go on to play softball for Great Britain. During this time she saw the benefits of chiropractic treatment - injured players were quickly able to continue to participate in the team. The combination of direct treatment and seeing others benefit from chiropractic treatment inspired her to look into whether it would be possible for her, as a mature student, to become a chiropractor.

During her degree Angela gained a range of skills and experience, including a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, structure and physiology of the human body. Special skills such as orthopaedics, paediatrics, taking and reading x-rays, and neurology were also core components of the course. These skills enable chiropractors to make an accurate diagnosis of a condition a patient is suffering from, and also the underlying cause, so that patients can be helped to resolve their condition. Exercise rehabilitation was also taught as a means to enable patients to actively strengthen their body and thus reduce the risk of recurrence. The degree is a prerequisite to being registered and allowed to practice as a chiropractor in the UK.

Since graduating in 2002, Angela has attended many courses to develop her skills in areas such as paediatrics and exercise rehabilitation. She has also taken more specialised courses in, for example, sacro-occipital technique. These courses are essential to help her to keep up to date with the latest research and also to expand her own knowledge base.

As a chiropractor, both case history and a thorough physical examination of a patient are central to the work. It is a physical job and so a good level of fitness and strength is required. Chiropractors also need good communication skills to give health advice and to provide the patient with information on the diagnosis, findings and treatment plan.

It is a very rewarding job as most people feel better after having their problem fully examined, explained to them and helped by treatment. Angela feels that meeting people, being able to make a difference to them and seeing them leading happier, healthier lives are the most enjoyable parts of the role.

And the least enjoyable part of the job? Lisa feels that 99% of her job is fantastic. If she had to come up with a less enjoyable part it would be the paperwork and also having to work very long days.