What Is Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a drug-free and natural approach to health that includes manual manipulation of the spine and other joints. The goal is to restore normal nervous system function and thereby allow the body to express optimal wellness.

A chiropractor is a health care professional who treats musculoskeletal pain and injuries and provides nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. Doctors of chiropractic are also trained in a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures.

Chiropractors are highly skilled in the hands-on, patient-centered chiropractic method. They are trained to assess and correct spinal misalignments (called subluxations) that can cause a variety of health problems. They are also trained to teach patients self-care through exercises and stretches and in the use of home therapies.

Many people experience back and neck pain as a result of poor posture, injury or simply getting older. These conditions can interfere with the flow of nerve messages between the brain and the rest of the body, causing pain and reduced function.

While many chiropractors work in private practice, they can also be employed by a hospital or clinic. Many new grads choose to gain experience as associates before starting their own practice.