Chiropractic is the 3rd largest health care profession. Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are spinal health care experts. Chiropractic practice focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the muscles, bones, and joints, with special emphasis on the spine. Chiropractic treatments include spinal manipulation or adjustments and other joint and soft tissue manipulation techniques, exercises, nutrition, and health and lifestyle counseling.
More about the chiropractic profession here… www.amerchiro.org
Education and training
Chiropractors, like other primary health care providers, spend a significant portion of their training studying clinical subjects related to evaluating and caring for patients. This extensive education prepares doctors of chiropractic to diagnose and treat health care problems and to refer patients to other health care practitioners when appropriate. There are 18 accredited chiropractic colleges in the US recognized by the US Secretary of Education.
More about chiropractic education here…www.cce-usa.org
Licensure and regulation
DCs are licensed physicians in all 50 states and in over 80 countries throughout the world. Through licensure, every state chiropractic board assures the public that the doctor has met certain credentialing criteria, and that he/she continues to abide by the laws and regulations of that state or province. The requirements to enter licensed chiropractic practice are defined by laws and regulations designed to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.
More on licensure and regulation…www.fclb.org
What do Chiropractors treat
Chiropractic treatment is most often associated with problems in the back and neck. Trouble here can cause pain, numbness, and weakness almost anywhere else in the body: in the arms and hands, legs and feet, and can cause headaches, and other disorders. Some patients seek relief from DCs for muscle and joint sprains and strains, athletic and job injuries, and trauma from car crashes such as whiplash.