Chapter 20: Chiropractors

Why is employment increasing for chiropractors?

Due to increased interest in integrative or complementary medicine to treat pain and the aging population and their issues with their joints

Who employs the largest amount of chiropractors?

Chiropractor offices at 63%

What do chiropractors focus on/do?

Overall health and work to relieve pain, increase mobility, and improve performance

What are chiropractors sometimes referred to as?

Doctors of Chiropractic or Chiropractic physicians

What types of disorders do chiropractors focus on to help improve a patient’s general health?

Disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system

What do chiropractors pay special attention to in a patient?

Their nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles

How do chiropractors assess patients?

By performing a physical examination, taking the patient’s medical history, and listening to the patient’s concerns.

What do chiropractors believe malfunctioning of the spinal joints and other somatic tissues can do?

Affect a person’s neuromuscular system which can results in poor health

What types of methods do chiropractors rely on to treat patients? (alternative approachs)

Nonsurgical methods and drugless treatment

What factors do earnings for chiropractors vary by?

Geographic region of practice, number of years of practice experience, and numbers of hours worked

What is leading to more referrals to chiropractors?

The increased acceptance of complementary medicine and research that is supporting chiropractic techniques

How are chiropractic services becoming more generally available for everyone?

Insurance coverage of chiropractic services is increasingly prevalent

How are chiropractic methods appealing to patients?

Patients like the idea of not having to do surgery (nonsurgical methods) and not taking medication to treat their pain

What are some things chiropractors may employ to treat patients?

Massage therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and application of heat and cold to affected areas

What do chiropractors do to the spine for treatment?

They adjust, or manipulate, the spine (or other parts of the body) so that it can be in proper alignment

What might patients who need support be given in order to treat or relieve pain?

Braces or shoe inserts

How many chiropractors are self-employed?

About 31%, second only to chiropractic offices in hiring chiropractors

True or False: Chiropractors can conduct tests, even x-rays and ultrasounds

TRUE

True or False: Chiropractors are middle-level healthcare workers

FALSE, chiropractors are labeled as primary care professionals

What are some issues that chiropractors treat?

Tension headaches, frozen shoulder syndrome, and sciatic nerve pain

What do chiropractors perform to treat pain?

Neuromusculoskeletal therapy, including spinal adjustments and manipulations of other joints

What is an example of complementary medicine in regards to chiropractors?

Chiropractors referring patients to other healthcare professionals if medical circumstances warrant it, such as, if a patient is bleeding

What are some areas chiropractors can specialize in that require advanced expertise and training?

Sports, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and nutrition

Where do chiropractors work?

In an office setting, often as self employed or with other chiropractors

What do chiropractors do to accommodate the needs of their patients?

Sometimes offer evening and weekend hours and even home visits

What is a physical characteristic chiropractors should possess?

Ability to stand on their feet for long periods of time when examining and treating patients

What is the educational requirement for chiropractors?

A doctor of chiropractic degree from a nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school program pre-licensure

What are the requirements for admission to chiropractic programs?

3 years (or 90 hours) of undergraduate education at an accredited institution

What are the characteristics of a chiropractic curriculum?

Training in a classroom, laboratory, and a clinical internship

How long do chiropractors spend training working with patients?

At least a year

What do many chiropractic programs offer?

A duel-degree option which allows for students to get a bachelor’s or master’s in a separate field while studying for a chiropractic degree

True or False: Chiropractors must be licensed in all 50 states + the District of Columbia

TRUE

What must chiropractors do after their graduation?

Pass a series of 4 national board exams in order to obtain a license to practice

What must chiropractors do every year to maintain their license?

Meet continuing education requirements

What is another word for specialty credentials?

Diplomate credentials

Who offers board certifications and fellowship credentials for chiropractors?

American Board of Chiropractic Specialties

How many board credentials are offered for chiropractors by the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties?

8 but there may be more available through independent organizations