Nature of the Work
Chiropractors, also known as chiropractic doctors, 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.
The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall wellbeing. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity. Chiropractors use natural, drugless, nonsurgical 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 unique to chiropractic diagnosis.
In cases where difficulties can be traced to involvement of musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors manually manipulate or adjust the spinal column. Many chiropractors also use water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy and may apply supports such as straps, tapes, and braces. They may also counsel patients about nutrition, exercise, and stress management, but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging.
Almost all 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.
Working Conditions
Chiropractors work in clean, comfortable offices. The average work week is about 42 hours, although longer hours are not uncommon. Solo practitioners set their own hours, but may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients.
Chiropractors who take x-rays must take appropriate precautions against the dangers of repeated exposure to radiation.
Employment
Chiropractors held about 47,400 jobs in 2016. 63% of chiropractors worked in chiropractic offices, while 30% were self-employed and just a mere 3% worked in the offices of physicians.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational requirements and pass a state board examination. All Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and get a state license. Doctor of Chiropractic programs take about 4 years to complete and at least 3 years of undergraduate education for admission.
Chiropractors can only practice in states where they are licensed. Some states have reciprocity agreements that permit chiropractors licensed in one state to obtain a license in another without further examination.
For licensure, most state boards recognize either all or part of the three-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. Continuing education programs are offered by accredited chiropractic colleges and chiropractic associations. Special councils within some chiropractic associations also offer programs leading to clinical specialty certification, called "diplomate" certification, in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, occupational and industrial health, nutrition, radiology, thermography, and internal disorders
Chiropractors require a keen sense of observation to detect physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable hand dexterity to perform manipulations. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding, and the desire to help others are desirable qualities for dealing effectively with patients.
Job Outlook
Employment of chiropractors is expected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Demand for chiropractic is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. The rapidly expanding older population, with their increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, will also increase demand.
In this occupation, replacement needs arise almost entirely from retirements. Chiropractors generally remain in the occupation until they retire; few transfer to other occupations.
Earnings
In 2017, the median annual wage for chiropractors was about $68,640. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,550 while the highest 10% earned more than $144,730.
Related Occupations
Physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians, occupational therapists, physical therapists.
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