Who is a chiropractor?
Chiropractic is a medical branch devoted to the neuromusculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. Chiropractors are doctors who are experts in chiropractic care. They employ spinal adjustments to manage musculoskeletal problems or related health conditions. Chiropractors believe that the human body has a self-healing capacity. Hence, such professionals assess and treat issues using their hands and do not rely on medications. However, the treatment is often combined with diet and exercise modifications if the patient's conditions demand it.
Besides spinal manipulation, chiropractors near you may also use additional therapies or prescribe tools like:
- Relaxation
- Stimulation
- Hot and cold treatment
- Weight loss counseling
- Massage
- Ultrasound
- Joint bracing/taping
- Shoe inserts
- Referrals to interactive medicine experts
History of chiropractic therapy
Daniel David Palmer was the first person to perform the first chiropractic adjustment and establish the first chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa. This event marked the inception of the chiropractic profession, with Palmer and others refining techniques and exploring how manual manipulation could relieve pain and improve function.
As chiropractic emerged in the early 20th century, practitioners organized into professional societies to standardize education and promote research. Today, nearly 20 chiropractic colleges in the U.S. are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, which received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education in 1974.
Chiropractic has been a regulated healthcare profession in the United States for over a century. Kansas was the first state to license chiropractors in 1913. Currently, chiropractors are licensed in all 50 U.S. states and territories and more than 40 countries worldwide.
As research supporting chiropractic methods has grown, chiropractic care has become integrated into various healthcare systems, hospitals, and insurance plans. In 1993, legislation incorporated chiropractic care into the U.S. Department of Defense healthcare system, with services now available at over 60 military bases in the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) reformed its guidelines for treating chronic low back pain in 2017, recommending noninvasive, nondrug treatments—including spinal manipulation—before resorting to drug therapies. Many organizations have since endorsed ACP’s guidelines or issued similar recommendations.
The chiropractic profession continues to expand, with over 70,000 licensed chiropractors in the U.S. practicing in various capacities and offices, like solo practices, multidisciplinary clinics, and major hospital systems.
What are the educational qualifications of a chiropractor?
To pursue a career as a chiropractor, obtaining a postgraduate degree in Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) is essential. Typically, this degree program spans four years. Prospective students need at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework for admission. However, some programs might accept applicants with just a bachelor's degree.
Furthermore, all chiropractors must be licensed to practice in any state. While each state has its licensing criteria, doctors must clear the standard National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test. Some chiropractors may choose to pursue a residency program after this. They spend several more years and earn a specialization in a particular field of chiropractic care.
What are the subspecialties within chiropractic care?
Many doctors choose to take up an extra two to three years of residency to specialize in a particular domain of chiropractic care. While looking for the best chiropractor near you, you might notice that the chiropractors mention their field of specialization under their qualifications. Understanding these is a great way to know how the healthcare professional can help you. This additional information can also help you understand the treatment methods the chiropractor will employ and their domain of expertise. All this knowledge will allow you to choose the best healthcare professional.
Some of the specializations within chiropractic care are -
- Radiology - Chiropractors specializing in radiology read and analyze X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, PET scans, sonographies, and magnetic resonance imaging. They use these scans to examine the patient's musculoskeletal system. This analysis helps diagnose a patient's medical issues and recommends treatment methods.
- Internists - Chiropractors specializing in this domain focus on medical issues beyond the patient's muscles and joints. They treat autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, infections, eczema, etc.
- Neurology - A chiropractor specializing in neurology uses neurosurgical treatment methods for orthopedic and neuromuscular medical problems. They adjust the patient's spine, legs, and arms. Legs and their adjustments help send specific neurological messages to a particular part of the brain, aiding in treating several neuromuscular problems.
- Clinical Nutrition - Some chiropractors specialize in clinical nutrition and gain expertise in offering dietary and lifestyle nutrition recommendations. They can also take courses to earn a certificate from the American Clinical Board of Nutrition or the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition. This certification proves their expertise in the field and allows them to practice as professionals in clinical nutrition.
What are the different types of chiropractic adjustments, and how do they help relieve pain?
Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, drug-free method for relieving pain, enhancing mobility, and supporting proper spinal alignment. If the spine is correctly aligned, the nervous system functions optimally, and the pressure in the neck and back is reduced significantly. These adjustments are particularly effective in restoring joint movement, easing discomfort, and increasing range of motion.
Here are seven commonly used chiropractic techniques, their benefits, and exercises that complement each one:
The activator method
This technique involves a handheld spring-loaded device called an Activator, which delivers gentle, targeted impulses to specific spinal segments or extremities. It helps modulate nerve activity and alleviate neck pain, headaches, and lower back pain.
- Pain treated: Headaches, neck pain, lower back pain.
- Suggested exercises: Bird-dog, pelvic tilts
Flexion distraction
This gentle method, performed using a motorized table, stretches and flexes the spine rhythmically. It is ideal for those with disc injuries, recent trauma, or pain sensitivity.
- Pain treated: Sciatica, lower back pain, leg pain.
- Suggested exercises: Child’s pose, bridge exercise
Spinal Decompression
Though technically more of a technique than an adjustment, spinal decompression uses a special table to stretch the spine slowly. This promotes nutrient flow to spinal discs and particularly benefits those with disc problems.
- Pain treated: Lower back pain, sciatica, herniated or bulging discs.
- Suggested exercises: Pelvic tilts, cat-cow stretch
Thompson drop-table technique
This method uses a drop table with cushioned sections that go down slightly during a thrust and feel like a light vibration. It offers gentle yet effective realignment.
- Pain treated: Lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain.
- Suggested exercises: Bird-dog, pelvic tilts
Spinal mobilization (spinal manipulation)
A gentler hands-on technique involving light thrusts and stretching, this method improves joint function and reduces inflammation and nerve irritation.
- Pain treated: Neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica.
- Suggested exercises: Bridge exercise, child’s pose
The Gonstead Adjustment
Focused on realigning discs and restoring mobility, chiropractors often perform this precise technique with the patient sitting or lying on their side.
- Pain treated: Hip pain, lower back pain, sciatica.
- Suggested exercises: Cat-cow stretch, pelvic tilts
The Diversified Technique
One of the most commonly used methods, this approach involves high-velocity manual thrusts to correct spinal misalignments and improve mobility.
- Pain treated: Headaches, neck pain, lower back pain.
- Suggested exercises: Cat-cow stretch, bird-dog
Who can and should not get chiropractic treatment?
Those between the ages of 45 and 64 commonly seek chiropractic care. It is equally effective for all ages, including children and adults. People with certain conditions should not use it. These include:
- Severe osteoporosis
- Numbness in an arm or leg
- An increased risk of stroke
- Cancer in the spine
- A known bone abnormality in the upper neck
Reasons to see a chiropractor
Work, accidents, sports injuries, housework, and even daily stress can result in intense joint and back pain. Chiropractic care is a good option if conditions like sore muscles or painful joints bother you throughout the day.
The following are other reasons to consider visiting a chiropractor right away:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Overuse injuries
- Injuries related to work and sports
- Arthritis
- Restricted mobility in the back, shoulders, neck, or limbs
Additionally, even if you do not experience any symptoms, chiropractic is proven to provide specific health benefits.
Benefits of chiropractic care
Chiropractic therapy is an alternative healthcare approach that bears similarities to physical therapy. Physical therapy is used for various health outcomes apart from treating specific health conditions. Likewise, chiropractic sessions may be advantageous as:
- They can minimize reliance on opioid pain relievers: Opioid painkillers are frequently prescribed to those with chronic pain to ease their discomfort. However, chiropractic care can reduce the need for these painkillers. According to a 2020 study, people who visited a chiropractor were less likely to have an opioid prescription for their pain.
- They are a more affordable alternative for chronic back pain treatment: Non-conventional therapies for chronic low back pain, such as chiropractic care, may be less expensive than traditional therapies. Researchers examined the possible financial advantages of chiropractic care in a 2016 study for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic back pain. The study's findings revealed that the cost of care was cheaper overall for those who got chiropractic care. Also, they received treatment for a shorter period than traditional medical care.
- Such sessions can provide higher satisfaction: Studies have reported relatively higher satisfaction levels with chiropractic care. For instance, in a 2015 study, researchers discovered that 544 chiropractic patients were delighted.
- They can help improve posture: Chiropractic care may improve your posture, especially if excessive sitting causes it. A case study published in 2017 reported the treatment of a 27-year-old lady's hyperkyphosis-affected posture (hunchback) with chiropractic care for her back, neck, and headaches.
- Chiropractic treatment can help enhance athletic performance. Spinal adjustments can improve athletic performance. They increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and result in less tissue restriction. Chiropractic adjustments may also be beneficial when employed to deal with injury-caused pain.
Tips for finding trusted chiropractors in New Rochelle, New York
Finding a trusted doctor can be challenging. When it comes to chiropractic care, a relatively developing medical branch, it becomes trickier. Zocdoc can be your best bet to find leads for the best chiropractor near you in New Rochelle, New York, and make this daunting task easier!
Sign up for a free Zocdoc account to get started. Logging in will allow you to look for a chiropractor in your area. You can search using its advanced filters for gender, location, and insurance coverage with just a few clicks. If you cannot find your insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (this option isn't available for vision or dental cards). Zocdoc will scan the image and display your likely plan. If you encounter any issues while uploading the picture, contact the Zocdoc service team for assistance.
Once you have a list of potential matches, click on the individual profiles to view detailed information about each chiropractor. You can learn more about their educational background, languages, and certifications. You can also see verified patient ratings/reviews to make an informed decision. Zocdoc updates these reviews regularly to ensure you have all the latest and relevant information about the best chiropractors nearby.
After vetting the chiropractor's credentials, you can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. Some experts are available on weekends and after usual work hours.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% cost-free.
Statistics for chiropractors in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area had the highest number of active chiropractors, 1,210.
According to the New York State Education Department, around 113 licenses were granted to chiropractors in 2024. The same source also highlights the geographic distribution of chiropractors in New York as of January 2025. Over 4,940 chiropractors were actively practicing throughout all counties in the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's primary findings from the National Health Interview Survey, in the last three months of 2019, around 39.0% of adults reported experiencing back pain. About 36.5% had pain in their lower limbs, and approximately 30.7% had pain in their upper limbs. Furthermore, people aged 65 and older had the highest prevalence of back pain.
Sources
WebMD
Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
New York State Education Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Biotechnology Information[1]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[2]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[3]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[4]
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Verywell Health
American Chiropractic Association
Southwest Spine & Rehab
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