Chiropractic care is a licensed health care profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy (especially spinal manipulation), but it may involve a variety of other therapies, such as therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, the application of vasopneumatic devices (cupping) or nutritional counseling. Modern chiropractic medicine also utilizes a broad range of FDA-approved medical devices to supplement patient treatment, such as therapeutic lasers, decompression tables and electromagnetic therapy devices.

Chiropractors approach patient care in a manner similar to that used in conventional medicine. They interview the patient, obtain a detailed health history, perform an examination, do tests, and develop a working diagnosis. They then develop a management plan, start treatment, and monitor the patient’s progress. Chiropractors are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches, particularly with their skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. The manual treatment methods used by chiropractors range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations that involve a quick and gentle thrust. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including the entire system of muscles, ligaments, and joints. Chiropractors also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification. You can find additional information about chiropractic medicine at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic-in-depth