What is Chiropractic?

chiropractic methods instructor demonstrating a technique to students

Doctors of chiropractic treat body structure, function and the nervous system as interrelated components – a disturbance in one can impact the others.

Doctors of chiropractic are primary contact providers who:

  • Evaluate, treat and prevent neuromusculoskeletal system disorders
  • Provide non-surgical, non-drug treatment
  • Adjust and manually manipulate spine and other joints
  • Treat soft tissue structures
  • Promote overall health and well being
  • Consult with, co-manage and refer to other healthcare providers

History of the profession

In 1895, D. D. Palmer delivered the first chiropractic adjustment and later founded the first chiropractic college. Palmer believed the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that structure and function are directly connected. The chiropractic profession continues to grow worldwide in scope and influence.

Growth of the profession:

  • More than 60,000 providers in the U.S.
  • About 15,000 in the rest of the world
  • Employment expected to jump 20% between 2008 and 2018 (U.S. Department of Labor)
  • Practice environments include solo practice, group practice and multi-disciplinary settings

Chiropractic profession licensed in:

  • All 50 states
  • All 10 Canadian provinces
  • Mexico
  • About 40 other countries
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