Chiropractors use manipulation techniques to alleviate pain.
Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems associated with the skeletal, muscular and nervous system. They take an alternative health approach that prohibits surgery and drugs, although chiropractors can refer a patient to another health professional if they believe this is necessary. Although all chiropractors treat spinal disorders, the work they do varies according to whether they specialize in a particular field or prefer to treat symptoms or the underlying problem.
General Chiropractors
General chiropractors treat a variety of health problems related to the musculoskeletal system and the effects these problems have on the patient's general health and nervous system. Treatments include manual manipulations of the spine, introducing exercises that help to strengthen and align the spine and advising patients about nutrition, lifestyle and stress management. They may apply supports such as braces, straps and shoe inserts to control pain and correct posture.
Specialist Chiropractors
Specialist chiropractors focus on a particular field of patient care, such as nutrition, sports injuries and pediatrics. A pediatric chiropractor might, for example, help children with medical conditions such as asthma and colic, as well as neck and back problems. Specialist chiropractors usually undergo additional post-doctorate training in their chosen field.
Symptom Relief Chiropractors
Some chiropractors focus on relieving symptoms rather than addressing their root cause, according to the Chiropractic & Nutrition Wellness Center. Treatments include massage to decompress the joints, electro-therapy and acupuncture. This treatment approach is controversial because traditional chiropractors believe it only offers short-term relief.
Education and Training
In order to obtain a license, chiropractors must complete two to four years of undergraduate education and a four-year college chiropractic college course which combines classroom, clinical and laboratory learning. Chiropractic colleges also offer post-doctoral training in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, industrial consulting and pediatrics for those wishing to specialize. The mean annual salary for chiropractors in 2009 was $94,594, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tags: chiropractors focus, chiropractors treat, nervous system, particular field, Treatments include