Chiropractors are holistic practitioners who provide nonsurgical, drugless treatments to promote wellness. They believe that interference with the spine, the muscles, and the nervous system impairs the body's natural functions and results in illness and disease. Many people believe that chiropractors treat only pain issues, but in fact chiropractors deal with all health issues, and refer to other practitioners as appropriate.

Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice

Chiropractors take a full medical and lifestyle history; complete a physical examination, including neurological and orthopedic systems; and order x-rays and laboratory tests as needed to complete a diagnostic study. They will then employ manual adjustments of the spine or other joints to correct alignment issues. If needed, they will direct other treatments such as ultrasound, heat and ice therapy, massage, water and light therapy, and electrical stimulation.

Chiropractors are holistic practitioners, and as such, they will counsel in wellness as well as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and any lifestyle changes needed to improve the health status of patients. They may recommend dietary supplements, but they do not prescribe medications or perform surgery. They may utilize traction and apply braces, tapes, or straps.

Education/Training

A minimum of two years of undergraduate study is required, but an increasing number of states now require a bachelor's degree as well as graduation from an accredited four-year chiropractic college with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The undergraduate education must include at least 90 units in courses in general chemistry, biology, and physics as well as general-education courses in English, social sciences, and psychology.

There are currently 16 chiropractic programs and two chiropractic institutions in the United States that are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.

The chiropractic program consists of eight semesters of study. The first two years are spent in classroom and laboratory courses in the basic sciences of biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and pathology. The last two years concentrate on manipulation and spinal adjustment procedures, including theory and practical experience, and diagnostic studies, which includes physical examination and examination of clinical and laboratory findings. During this time, students also study nutrition, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency procedures.

Licensure/Certification

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners administers a four-part written and practical exam to graduates of accredited programs, which most states accept. Some states administer supplemental testing as well. To maintain licensure, most states require continuing-education courses each year. The number of units varies from state to state. Some states allow reciprocity provided the education, licensing, and examinations meet their specific standards. Otherwise, becoming licensed in another state may require additional training or examinations.

Some chiropractic associations offer specialty training and offer a “diplomate” certification in those areas. Specialty areas include sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, neurology, and orthopedics.

Work Settings and Salaries

Chiropractors who are newly licensed have the option to open their own practice, purchase an established one, or work as a salaried associate or partner with other chiropractors. Typically chiropractors work 40 hours per week in private offices, alternative health care centers or spas, or even at chiropractic colleges. They may offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate the needs of their patients.

Career Potential and Additional Information

The job outlook for chiropractors over the next decade is a positive one. Growth is expected to be faster than the average for all occupations due to the increasing need posed by an aging population seeking alternative means of improving and maintaining their health status.

The majority of chiropractors stay in this field until retirement, and therefore the opportunities are based on replacing retiring practitioners. Geographically there is an iniquity, and more opportunities for a successful practice exist in those areas not overpopulated with chiropractors. Specialization opportunities through chiropractic associations may increase the chances of finding a niche even in areas where many chiropractors are located. Educating the community about the benefits of chiropractic care is an important part of establishing and maintaining a successful practice.

General information about chiropractic careers is available from the American Chiropractic Association. For information about chiropractic programs contact the Council on Chiropractic Education. Licensing information is available from the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.