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About Chiropractic
A natural and non-invasive form of health care

Chiropractic is the nation's third largest primary health care profession, surpassed in numbers only by practitioners of medicine and dentistry. Over half of its ranks have graduated since 1977, and there are approximately 60,000 chiropractors in North America alone with many more throughout the world. Recent studies indicate that upwards of 15% of the U.S. population has consulted a chiropractor.

The Jobs Rated Almanac (6th Edition) uses environment, income, outlook, physical demands and job security to rank 250 careers from most to least favorable. Chiropractic ranked 44th; within the top 16% of most favorable jobs. Median annual income for chiropractors is reported at $80,000 and Almanac goes on to say, "Employment opportunities for chiropractors are expected to increase rapidly through the next decade, as the aging U.S. population creates an unprecedented demand for health care."

Chiropractic is a natural, preventative, and non-invasive form of health care which is based on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to heal without the use of drugs or surgery. This fundamental approach to wellness mirrors a new and changing attitude toward health care in the United States and around the world.

Since an individual's health is either directly or indirectly controlled by the nervous system, interference within this system impairs normal function and lowers resistance to disease.

Through chiropractic adjustments, nervous system interference due to abnormalities in the musculoskeletal relationships of the vertebrae (called subluxations) can be corrected. This allows the nervous system to function properly, enabling the body to self-regulate and self-heal through its own natural recuperative powers.

Chiropractors are highly skilled in the art of adjusting all the articulations of the body, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects of chronic or acute trauma and biomechanical instability. The adjustment is a gentle and specific maneuver which can be applied effectively and safely to people no matter their age.

The purpose of chiropractic professional education is to provide the doctoral candidate with a core of knowledge in the basic sciences, clinical sciences, and related health subjects sufficient for the doctor of chiropractic to perform the professional obligations of a primary care clinician.

As a gatekeeper for direct access to the health delivery system, responsibilities as a primary care clinician include wellness promotion, health assessment, diagnosis, and chiropractic management of the patient's health care needs. When indicated, the doctor of chiropractic consults with, co-manages, or refers to other health care providers.