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Naprapathic Medicine Career Overview
Learn About Naprapthic Medicine Careers and School Opportunities
Learn About Naprapthic Medicine Careers and School Opportunities
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What is naprapathic medicine?
| | The Czech word "naprapravit" (to correct) and the Greek word "pathos" (suffering) combine to form the word naprapathy. The naprapathic treatment method "corrects suffering" through manual manipulation of inelastic connective tissue which may be irritating the nervous system and causing pain. |
Dr. Oakley Smith, the first Naprapath, founded the science of naprapathy, or naprapathic medicine, in 1907 after devising a systematic treatment method of evaluating and healing damaged connective tissues. He discovered that structural imbalances, often situated in the spine, were sources of pain that can build slowly and spread throughout the body.
The cause of such imbalances, which deplete the suppleness of connective tissue, include poor posture, trauma, whiplash, sports injuries and general wear. Naprapathic medicine teaches that, over time, the resulting stiffness can produce pinched nerves. These trigger or contribute to chronic conditions like arthritis, migraine headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, herniated disc, bursitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic back pain, joint pain, shoulder pain and stress related pain.
Learn how naprapathic medicine and chiropractor careers are related.
How is naprapathic medicine practiced?
In naprapathic medicine, treatment begins with a medical case history and a spinal examination to identify the precise location of pain. Naprapathic therapy includes manual manipulations designed to stretch specific connective tissues, improve structural alignment, promote balance and provide pain relief. Treatment may also include ultrasound, electrical, heat, and cold pain relief treatment methods.
Naprapathic medicine's philosophy of restoring the body's natural balance extends to posture counseling and correcting dietary deficiencies. In the later case, a Naprapath will provide nutritional counseling.
Learn how naprapathic medicine and nutritionist careers are similar.
What naprapathic medicine degrees or certificates are available?
Currently, the practice of naprapathic medicine is licensed in Illinois and New Mexico. A doctor of naprapathy carries the designation D.N. Many naprapaths are found in the Midwest, because the four-year Chicago National School of Naprapathy is located there. To be credentialed, naprapaths must complete a minimum of six years of higher education. Make sure to check with the school of your choice to find out whether they have any individual naprapathic program requirements.
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