What is a Chiropractor?

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or Chiropractor is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Chiropractors treat patients of all ages — infants, children, and adults. They believe that all body functions are connected and therefore, the healing process involves the entire body.

Some chiropractors specialize in areas such as:

• Neurology
• Orthopaedics
• Sports medicine
• Physical rehabilitation
• Nutrition
• Diagnostic radiology

A visit with a chiropractor is similar to other doctor appointments. The chiropractor takes the patient's medical history, performs a physical and neurological examination, and relies on other tests such as X-rays. After a diagnosis is made, the chiropractor recommends a treatment plan. If the patient's disorder is beyond the scope of chiropractic care, the doctor refers the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. Although hands-on manipulation of the problem-specific joints is central to chiropractic, treatment focuses on whole body health. Working toward restoring and maintaining overall health may include physical therapy and lifestyle counseling.

Chiropractors treat patients in different settings such as a private or group practice or health care facility.