Chiropractic Care: Understanding the Scope of Practice

Though many people only associate chiropractors with the treatment of back and neck pain, the role of a chiropractor is much larger than just pain relief. Chiropractors are concerned about the overall physical, mental and emotional wellness and health of their patients.

Chiropractics

• Chiropractics is a segment of health care that diagnoses and treats problems in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. At the core of chiropractics is the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself, so chiropractors take a drug-free, hands-on approach to general health. They focus on the cause of the problem rather than only the symptoms.

Chiropractic Education

• Chiropractors are required to complete two to four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years at a chiropractic college. To gain their license, chiropractors also must complete hands-on clinical work and pass national and state exams.

Role of Chiropractors

• Chiropractors are trained to complete patient examinations, diagnose problems and perform treatment usually in the form of chiropractic adjustments. They can suggest rehabilitation exercises or therapy and provide nutritional counseling; chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.

Chiropractic Adjustment

• The most common type of treatment performed by chiropractors is the chiropractic adjustment, which is a manual manipulation of the spine to correct minor vertebral misalignments called subluxations. This restores the correct flow of signals to and from the brain through the spinal column, allowing the nervous system and the rest of the body to function properly.

Chiropractic Specialties

• Many chiropractors specialize in certain areas of care such as pediatrics, orthopedics, sports, car accident injuries, nutrition and neurology. Most of these specializations require additional training and education.

Self-Employment

• Another role of many chiropractors is business owner and manager since most are self-employed. In addition to patient care, chiropractors must understand the legalities and accounting procedures involved in running a business and billing insurance companies and patients.