Chiropractic physicians serve their communities as a point for direct access
by patients to health care information and services. In assessing patients,
chiropractic physicians employ standard healthcare practices of history
taking, physical examination, and when necessary, special diagnostic testing
to determine health status and diagnosis.
Chiropractic physicians employ a variety of therapeutic techniques for the
benefit of their patients. Chiropractic physicians are best known for
manipulation or adjustment of the joints of the body, particularly the
spine. Additionally, Chiropractic physicians are thoroughly trained in the
application of a variety of soft-tissue therapies, physical therapies,
stretching and exercise-based rehabilitation techniques, and nutritional,
ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations for the treatment and promotion of
overall health and wellness of their patients.
Chiropractic physicians serve as an integral part of a patient’s health care
team, and are trained to integrate care with providers of other disciplines
for the ultimate care and benefit of the individual patient.
A substantial and growing body of clinical evidence and
research studies has shown chiropractic care to be safe and effective for a
variety of conditions while providing exemplary levels of patient
satisfaction. Chiropractic care has been most notably established for the
treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as back and
neck pain, headache, and arm and leg pain. Research has demonstrated
decreased pain and disability, increased function, and decreased reliance on
medications with conservative manual therapy such as those employed by
chiropractic physicians. Additionally, many patients have used chiropractic
treatment for the successful treatment of their non-musculoskeletal
conditions such as allergies, digestive disorders and otitis media.