December 18, 2008 — Gerard Clum, DC, president of Life Chiropractic College West, was interviewed on a San Francisco Bay Area radio station in October in honor of National Chiropractic Month. Clum began by talking about the history of chiropractic care and its relation to overall health. When Tim Jefferies, a radio personality from KFOX and KCNL, asked how students become chiropractors, Clum explained the type of undergraduate coursework required to enroll in a chiropractic college. He further expounded upon the board and state exams that must be passed in order to practice in a chosen state.
Dr. Clum stated that, according to statistics, 80 percent of Americans will experience loss of work and disability for lower back pain at some point in their lives. In this case, chiropractors place primary attention on repositioning the vertebra in the lower lumbar spine. After repositioning, active rehabilitation is often applied to strengthen the muscles where the adjustments occurred. Furthermore, chiropractors may suggest lifestyle changes pertaining to diet, exercise, and ergonomics to protect the body from additional injury.
Dr. Clum also offered suggestions about how patients can participate in their own recovery. He recommended exercises that help to strengthen the spine, such as stretching and swimming.
Source: Life Chiropractic College West, www.lifewest.edu
