Chiropractors are uniquely trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the spine and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. Definition: A provider qualified by a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), licensed by the State and who practices chiropractic medicine -that discipline within the healing arts which deals with the nervous system and its relationship to the spinal column and its interrelationship with other body systems. Study.com College Advisor that can help you compare costs and options. All rights reserved. Licensure requires a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a passing score on the state examination. Becoming a doctor of chiropractic (DC) requires a minimum of 2 years of college and 4 years in a school of chiropractic medicine. District of Columbia, D.C., DC (noun) the district occupied entirely by the city of Washington; chosen by George Washington as the site of the capital of the United States and created out of land ceded by Maryland and Virginia Others can purchase an existing practice and keep the regular clients of the previous owner. Learn about the degree programs, job duties and... A pediatric physician assistant is similar to a pediatrician, but pediatric assistant schooling is generally shorter. American Chiropractic Association. 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All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The International Chiropractors Association believes that patients should be treated by spinal manipulation alone, whereas the American Chiropractic Association advocates a multidisciplinary approach that combines spinal adjustment with other modalities, such as physical therapy, psychological counseling, and dietary measures. Responsible for the care, direction and progression of chiropractic treatments and patients. To achieve this, the practitioner uses his or her hands or an adjusting tool to perform specific manipulations of the vertebrae. In accordance with this statutory definition, a Doctor of Chiropractic may: Analyze the body to determine nerve interference through appropriate manual or mechanical techniques, x-rays and other imaging procedures, clinical laboratory services, and instrumentation resulting in chiropractic; A chiropractic physician meets with clients and helps examine factors like diet, sleep patterns, genetics and exercise to create suitable treatment options for them. A medical doctor, doctor of chiropractic, or doctor of osteopathic medicine is a practitioner of the healing arts who examines patients, analyzes the results of laboratory tests, diagnoses and treats the patient's medical condition, and advises the patient about methods of preventive health care. It is grounded in the principle that the body can heal itself when the skeletal system is correctly aligned and the nervous system is functioning properly. Chiropractic doctors must complete an undergraduate degree program followed by a 4-year chiropractic educational program. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. How Much Does a Physician Make in Arizona? Chiropractic Chiropractic is a licensed health care profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Chiropractic physicians have several opportunities for employment. Chiropractic physicians, more commonly known as chiropractors, are doctors who help patients recover and feel less pain through the realignment of spinal joints. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools), or National accrediting agencies (e.g. Many studies have been conducted in the past to track healthcare spending and expenses, depending on which practitioner patients elected to receive care from. Medicine = Sick Care. Common reasons for visiting a chiropractic doctor (D.C.) include low back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches. (4) uses the term "chiropractor," "chiropractic," "doctor of chiropractic," "D.C.," or any derivative of those terms or initials in connection with the person's name. Patients seeking alternative methods of treatment, nonsurgical treatment options and drugless treatment options turn toward chiropractic physicians for assistance in dealing with physical pain. There is no discernable pushing or twisting in the correction, nothing rapid or abrupt. What Degree Do You Need to Work As a Primary Care Physician? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all states regulate chiropractic practice, meaning that chiropractic physicians must possess a state license. Chiropractors work independently or work as employees in chiropractic practices. Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine have had at least 3 years of college with an emphasis on biology or basic sciences. 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