“What does a chiropractor do?”

Q I don’t know much about chiropractors. What do they do?

A Doctors of Chiropractic are health care professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions and the impact they have on a person’s overall health. Emphasis is placed on alleviating pain in the back, neck, joints and headaches—and correcting conditions that cause this pain.

Q What kind of training do chiropractors have?

A The rigorous educational requirements for chiropractors are similar to the requirements for your family doctor.

Doctor of
Chiropractic (DC) Medical Doctor (MD)
Average Chiropractic or
Medical Program Length 4 years 4 years
Average Classroom and
Clinical Study Hours 4,820 4,670
Typical Program Content
Years 1 and 2 are very similar
to MD. Years 3 and 4, greater emphasis is
placed on biomechanics, radiology,
adjustments and natural medicine.
Years 1 and 2 are very similar to DC.
Years 3 and 4, greater emphasis is
placed on immunology,
pharmacology and surgery.

Q How are chiropractors licensed?

A Like most other health care practitioners, chiropractors are licensed at the state level, by a state board of chiropractic examiners. Most states also require DCs to complete a number of hours of continuing education each year to maintain their licenses.

Q What are the advantages of chiropractic?

A Chiropractic is non-invasive, unlike procedures such as surgery. Drugs, particularly addictive painkillers, aren’t part of the practice. Normally, the cost of treatment is far lower. And often, people who have run out of other medical options find chiropractic provides relief.

Q Is chiropractic safe?

A No form of medical treatment is totally without risk. Because it’s drug-free and noninvasive, however, chiropractic an exceptional safety record.