Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system

and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is

used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain,

neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

What is the philosophy behind chiropractic?

Doctors of chiropractic believe in a holistic (“total person”) approach to healing, which typifies

the new and changing attitude towards health. It is based on the concept of “maintaining health”

versus “treating disease.” Chiropractic philosophy includes:

- Recognition that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health;

- Understanding the cause of illness in order to eliminate it, rather than simply treat symptoms;

- Recognition of the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with the capacities of the human body;

- A patient-centered, hands-on approach focused on influencing function through structure;

- Focus on early intervention, emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are wholly functional and reversible.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on

musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic

are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a

chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college

education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology

and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements

become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the

standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a

significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. In total, the chiropractic curriculum

includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course

of study is approved by an accrediting agency which is fully recognized by the U.S. Department

of Education.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. While any form of health treatment contains a

degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic care when administered by a licensed

practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be board-qualified, licensed, and

regulated according to stringent criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower for

chiropractic because the use of prescription drugs and surgery are not used.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined

skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically

uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce

pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled

procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the

specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms

immediately following treatment.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a

popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused

by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released.

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Adapted from:

American Chiropractic Association

1701 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209