Chiropractor Job Description

A chiropractor is a medical professional who specializes in the application of spinal adjustments, physical therapy treatments, and other manual techniques that are used to reduce or resolve any interference with nerve function.

A Chiropractor is one who practices the profession of chiropractic medicine, and as such has obtained from an accredited school a degree in Chiropractic Medicine that qualifies him to use his skills to manipulate patients' spines, muscles and bones.

Chiropractors are able to do a complete physical examination of the spine, extremities and muscles, and can perform a variety of tests to locate areas that might be injured or causing pain.

Chiropractors are also able to treat many types of lower back pain and other ailments, using various techniques such as spinal manipulation therapy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy modalities (incl. ultrasound, laser, infrared), cryotherapy, and other therapies.

Chiropractors are able to combine their physical treatment skills with some counseling services in order to ensure that the patient is getting the proper assistance for his condition. The doctor may recommend exercise and lifestyle changes as well as provide guidance with respect to ergonomics (for the treatment of work place injuries) and provide patient education.

Chiropractors are able to understand many things that can cause pain in various places in the human body, such as skeletal subluxations (a slight misalignment of a vertebrae), muscle spasms and strains, poor postural alignment, nutritional deficiencies, biomechanical irregularities, and nervous system dysfunction.

Chiropractors can treat acute injuries as well as ailments that are more long standing in nature. An example of an acute injury would be work related back strain or a whiplash type of accident that might cause some neck pain. Whereas a condition such as arthritis might have been present for many years with seemingly little relief from anti-inflammatory pain medicines.

Chiropractors can serve to help patients obtain the maximum amount of movement and quality of life possible, which leads to a reduced dependence upon narcotic medications. Chiropractic medicine is designed to be safe for use in conjunction with any other type of treatment that might be needed to obtain total relief from chronic pain.

Chiropractors are able to serve patients of all ages, although it is possible for younger children to get certain types of conditions that will benefit greatly from chiropractic care. Many parents bring their children into the office so that any misalignment or incorrect posture can be corrected early in life (before serious health problems develop).

Statistics on Chiropractors

• The diversified technique is the most often applied technique at 93%, followed by the Activator mechanical-assisted technique at 41%. (en.wikipedia.org)
• There are an estimated 49,000 chiropractors in the U.S. (2008), 6,500 in Canada (2010), 2,500 in Australia (2000), and 1,500 in the UK (2000). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Less than 10% of US adults disagreed with the statement that chiropractors were trustworthy. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Of the 2,005 chiropractors who participated in a 2015 survey, 62.4% were male and the average age was 42.1 (SD = 12.1) years. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Nearly all chiropractors (97.1%) had a bachelor's degree or higher, with the majority of chiropractor's highest professional qualification being a bachelor or double bachelor's degree (34.6%), followed by a master's degree (32.7%), (en.wikipedia.org)
• Only a small number of chiropractor's highest professional qualification was a diploma (2.1%) or advanced diploma (0.8%). (en.wikipedia.org)

Articles On Chiropractors

Chiropractic - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are trained health professionals who use a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as spinal manipulation and mobilization, to treat patients with back pain and neck pain. (spine-health.com)

8 Things That Can Be Treated by a Chiropractor

Make the best health decisions by reading 8 Things That Can Be Treated by a Chiropractor at Healthgrades, America’s leading resource for finding healthcare providers (healthgrades.com)

Chiropractors: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. (bls.gov)

Chiropractors (onetonline.org)

Mississippi Board of Chiropractic Examiners (msbce.ms.gov)

What Is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who relieve pain without medication. Learn more about the conditions chiropractors treat and when you might need to see one. (webmd.com)

Chiropractic: MedlinePlus

Chiropractic is a health care profession. Chiropractors perform manipulations to the spine or other parts of the body. (medlineplus.gov)

Additional Resources on Chiropractors

onetonline.org

• Chiropractors