Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors practice a manual approach. Doctors of Chiropractic are specifically trained to detect and correct problems in the spine, often before the patient is even aware they exist.
Chiropractic is a natural approach to health care and rehabilitation, proven by research to be safe and effective. It uses spinal and joint manipulation to restore the body’s nervous system to its optimal functioning, which in turn improves mobility, relieves pain, enables damaged tissues to repair and encourages the body’s innate ability to heal itself—all without drugs or surgical procedures.
Chiropractic primarily treats spine-related health problems such as back and neck pain, headaches, and joint pain, but it also has a positive side effect: By improving the function of the nervous system, chiropractic promotes general health and can help patients heal from issues related to digestion, circulation and muscle imbalance.
Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are extensive, usually including four to five years of study beyond an undergraduate degree. Most chiropractic curriculums require a minimum of 4,200 hours in a classroom, laboratory or clinic. Many of these hours involve hands-on training that help ensure a high level of safety and care.