What is a Chiropractor?
Doctors of Chiropractic, also called chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, practice a drug-free, nonsurgical , hands-on approach to healthcare that relies on the body’s recuperative abilities.
Typically, chiropractors use a procedure called “spinal manipulation,” or “chiropractic adjustment” to restore joint mobility. To do this they manually apply a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile — or restricted in their movement — as a result of injury. By adjusting the affected joint and tissues, the technique helps restore mobility, relieve pain and muscle tightness and promote healing.
Most chiropractors take a view of healing that includes considering how a lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, rest, environment and stress management will help improve the condition, but they do not prescribe drugs. In some cases, chiropractors refer patients to or consult with other
health practitioners.
Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires two to four years of undergraduate education, the completion of a four-year chiropractic college course, and pass national and state examinations.
Most chiropractic programs emphasize classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry. The last two years of chiropractic college focus on courses in manipulation and spinal adjustment and provide clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition. Chiropractic programs and institutions grant the degree of Doctor
of Chiropractic.
Most chiropractors work in a solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics. According to the US Department of Labor, approximately 52 percent of chiropractors were self employed in 2006.
The US Department of Labor reports that the average annual salaries for chiropractors were $65,220 in 2006 with the middle 50 percent earned between $45,710 and $96,500 a year. For chiropractors, as with others in independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice grows. Where they office (rural, metro or suburbs) and the qualifications of the chiropractor also may influence earnings.
###
Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
