American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, VA, is the largest professional association in the world representing doctors of chiropractic. The ACA provides lobbying, public relations, professional and educational opportunities for doctors of chiropractic. In addition, the ACA funds research regarding chiropractic and other health issues, and offers leadership for the advancement of the profession. With approximately 16,000 members, the ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care.

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

Advice for Parents: Children Need to Practice Good Ergonomics Too
Back Pain and Chiropractic
Back Pain Facts and Statistics
Backpack Misuse Lead to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say
Chiropractic Research Shows Positive Benefits
Choosing a Doctor of Chiropractic: Patient Information from the American Chiropractic Association
Does Back Pain Go Away on its Own?
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic
Living with Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis: Not Just an Elderly Disease
Scoliosis: Patient Information from the American Chiropractic Association
What is Chiropractic?