What Is A Chiropractor?

A doctor of chiropractic practices within a branch of the healing arts concerned with disease processes. Chiropractic care is a recognized form of therapy that focuses on improving your overall health and well-being without the use of drugs or surgery.

A chiropractor, also known as a doctor of chiropractic ("D.C."), diagnoses and treats a broad range of physical conditions in patients with skeletal, nervous, and muscular problems, with particular emphasis on correction through spinal manipulation. However spinal manipulation is a small part of what chiropractors can do as part of an overall plan to relieve many ailments. Other types of treatments chiropractors are capable of providing can include:

• Massage
• Physical rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Exercise programs with instruction
• Heat/cold therapy
• Electric muscle stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Traction
• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

Chiropractors are required to complete a course of study similar to that of medical doctors. Chiropractic students are required to complete 5 academic years of post-graduate study at one of the nation's 17 accredited colleges of chiropractic. During the first two years students receive classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, and public health. The final two years include hands on courses in manipulation and spinal adjustments as well as clinical experience that may cover areas such as orthopedics, geriatrics, biomechanics, radiology, neurology, diagnosis, and natural medicine.

A one-year internship at a Chiropractic college clinic follows the graduate study. Some chiropractic colleges have interns rotate through hospital rounds with medical students. Many chiropractors continue their education by undertaking four to five additional years of professional study in a chosen clinical area leading to a certification and/or Diplomate degree status.

After completing the educational requirements, chiropractors must complete an intensive National Board Examination administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and the State Board Examination where they desire to practice. A chiropractor must then obtain ongoing educational credits in order to maintain a state license.

In Illinois, Chiropractic Physicians are allowed under their scope of practice to administer all forms of treatments and therapies with the exception of drugs and surgery.