Medical Health Encyclopedia

Chiropractor - Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

The chiropractor's principal method of treatment is through adjustments (spinal manipulations). Two common techniques used are the recoil thrust and the rotational thrust. The recoil thrust requires the patient to lie face down on a special table that moves slightly downward as thrusts are made by the practitioner to accomplish adjustments. The rotational thrust requires the patient to lie with the upper body twisted counter to the pelvis. The chiropractor then applies short, fast thrusts to the spine.

REGULATION OF THE PROFESSION

To become a chiropractor in the U.S., the student typically begins with several years of undergraduate studies focused on biology and science. They then complete a 3-5 year program at a chiropractor school. Some states require that you have a bachelor's degree and a chiropractor degree to practice.

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Similar to many other professionals, chiropractors are regulated at two different levels:

• Board certification is conducted by the National Board of Chiropractor Examiners, thereby creating national standards for chiropractic care.
• Licensure takes place at the state level in accordance with specific state laws. Licensure may differ significantly from state to state. Most states require successful completion of the National Chiropractic Board examination prior to licensure. Some states also require passing a practical examination. All states recognize training from chiropractic schools accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Most states have requirements for a certain number of continuing education hours to be completed every year, in order to maintain licensure.

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