Chiropractors

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Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe interference with these systems impairs normal functions and lowers resistance to disease. They also hold that spinal or vertebral dysfunction alters many important body functions by affecting the nervous system and that skeletal imbalance through joint or articular dysfunction, especially in the spine, can cause pain.

The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall health and wellness. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, non-surgical health treatments and rely on the body's inherent recuperative abilities. They also recommend lifestyle changes — in eating, exercise and sleeping habits, for example — to their patients. When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners.

Like other health practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to secure the information needed for diagnosis and treatment. They take the patient's medical history, conduct physical, neurological and orthopedic examinations, and may order laboratory tests. X-rays and other diagnostic images are important tools because of the emphasis on the spine and its proper function. Chiropractors also employ a postural and spinal analysis common to chiropractic diagnosis.

In cases in which difficulties can be traced to involvement of musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors manually adjust the spinal column. Some chiropractors use water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric and heat therapy. They also may apply supports such as straps, tapes and braces. Chiropractors counsel patients about wellness concepts such as nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes and stress management, but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.

Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders or diagnostic imaging.

Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a practice. In larger offices, chiropractors delegate these tasks to office managers and chiropractic assistants. Chiropractors in private practice are responsible for developing a patient base, hiring employees and keeping records. The average workweek is about 40 hours, although longer hours are not uncommon. Solo practitioners set their own hours, but may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients.

Chiropractors, like other health practitioners, are sometimes on their feet for long periods. Chiropractors who take X-rays must employ appropriate precautions against the dangers of repeated exposure to radiation.

Training and qualifications

All states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational and examination requirements established by the state. Chiropractors can only practice in states where they are licensed. Most state boards require at least two years of undergraduate education, and an increasing number require a four-year bachelor's degree. All boards require completion of a four-year chiropractic college course at an accredited program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

For licensure, most State boards recognize either all or part of the four-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on State requirements.

To maintain licensure, almost all States require completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education each year.

Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable hand dexterity to perform adjustments, but not unusual strength or endurance. Chiropractors should be able to work independently and handle responsibility. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding and the desire to help others are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients.

Job outlook

Employment of chiropractors is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010 as consumer demand for alternative health care grows. Chiropractic treatment of back, neck, extremities and other joint damage has become more accepted as a result of recent research and changing attitudes about alternative health care practices. The rapidly expanding older population, with their increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, also will increase demand.

Although more insurance plans now cover chiropractic services, the extent of such coverage varies among plans. Increasingly, chiropractors must educate communities about the benefits of chiropractic care in order to establish a successful practice. Establishing a new practice will be easiest in areas with a low concentration of chiropractors.

Earnings

Chiropractors held about 50,000 jobs in 2000. Most chiropractors are in solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $67,030 in 2000. Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more than salaried chiropractors.

Related links

For general information on chiropractic as a career:

American Chiropractic Association, 1701 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209.

International Chiropractors Association, 1110 North Glebe Rd., Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201.

World Chiropractic Alliance, 2950 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85224-1802.

Dynamic Chiropractic, P.O. Box 40109, Huntington, CA 92605.

For a list of chiropractic programs and institutions, as well as general information on chiropractic education:

Council on Chiropractic Education, 7975 North Hayden Rd., Suite A-210, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

For information on State education and licensure requirements:

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, 901 54th Ave., Suite 101, Greeley, CO 80634.

For information on requirements for admission to a specific chiropractic college, as well as scholarship and loan information, contact the admissions office of the individual college.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.