What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession focused on the body's natural ability to heal itself. Treatment often includes hands-on techniques, such as spinal manipulation, along with complementary approaches like exercise therapy and nutritional counseling.

What Chiropractors Do

Chiropractors approach patient care in much the same way as conventional medical professionals. They begin by interviewing the patient, gathering a comprehensive health history, conducting examinations, and performing necessary tests to establish a diagnosis. Based on their findings, they develop a personalized treatment plan, initiate therapy, and closely monitor the patient's progress. While chiropractors primarily address musculoskeletal issues, their care can extend to overall health and wellness.

Their hands-on treatment techniques vary from gentle stretching and sustained pressure to precise joint manipulations. These manipulations, typically performed by hand using a quick yet controlled thrust, aim to enhance joint mobility and overall function. While spinal adjustments are the most common, chiropractors also treat other areas of the body to restore proper movement and alleviate discomfort.

Education and Licensure of Practitioners

• To practice in the United States, chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam, and have a state license. Many states also require chiropractors to pass an exam about state-specific laws, and all states require practicing chiropractors to take continuing education classes.

• To enroll in a D.C. program in the United States, which typically takes 4 years to complete, students must have had at least 3 years of undergraduate education.

• Institutions that award the D.C. degree are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, which is recognized as an accredited agency by the U.S. Secretary of Education. In 2017, there were 15 accredited D.C. programs on 18 campuses.

• Chiropractic education includes classes in basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, and supervised clinical experience in which students learn skills such as spinal assessment, adjustment techniques, and making diagnoses.

• Some chiropractors complete postgraduate education in specialized fields, such as orthopedics or pediatrics.

The scope of chiropractors’ practice (that is, the types of services they are allowed to provide) varies from state to state. Health insurance plans may cover chiropractic, but coverage may be partial rather than complete.

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NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.