Chiropractors

Chiropractors, or doctors of chiropractic, are health care professionals who focus on musculoskeletal health problems. Through manipulation of the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, they treat patient ailments, such as back or neck pain. Spinal adjustment can relieve acute back pain, widen a patient's range of motion, and improve function. These professionals emphasize health maintenance and disease prevention through exercise, maintaining posture, stress management, proper nutrition, and care of the spine and the nervous system. Approximately 73,000 chiropractors practice in the United States, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Most work in solo practice; other work settings include group practices, health care clinics, and teaching institutions.

Chiropractic emphasizes health maintenance, the whole person, and natural healing and is considered an alternative health care approach. At the same time, chiropractic has more of the advantages enjoyed by the medical profession than does any other alternative health care field: Chiropractic has licensure requirements, accredited training institutions, a growing scientific research base, and insurance reimbursement.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Doctorate

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Helpful

Problem-Solving

Career Ladder

Chiropractor

Associate Chiropractor

Chiropractic Assistant