Who is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a healthcare industry professional who uses non-surgical techniques to reduce pain associated with the musculoskeletal system (nerves, bones, discs, muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments). After a proper diagnostic evaluation, your chiropractor will identify the source of your pain. Then, based on your medical history, they devise a treatment plan for pain relief and boosting your overall well-being.
Origins and history of chiropractic
The term 'chiropractic' comes down from the Greek words 'cheir' (meaning "hand") and 'praktos' (meaning "done")—essentially, "done by hand." While manual healing techniques date back centuries, the chiropractic profession as you know it today began taking shape in the late 19th century in the United States.
Chiropractic traces its modern roots to Daniel David Palmer, who performed the first recorded chiropractic adjustment in 1895. Just two years later, he founded the first chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa. From there, Palmer and his successors refined spinal adjustment techniques and explored how manual manipulation could alleviate pain and enhance function. While spinal adjustments remain central to chiropractic care, today's practitioners employ a variety of methods tailored to individual patient needs.
In the early 20th century, chiropractors began forming professional organizations to standardize education and advance research. By 1974, the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) gained official recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for chiropractic colleges. Today, nearly 20 CCE-accredited schools operate in the U.S., with federal research funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting ongoing scientific study.
Chiropractic is now a licensed healthcare profession in all 50 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, and over 40 countries worldwide. To earn a license, doctors of chiropractic (DCs) must meet rigorous educational and competency standards set by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and state regulatory boards.
Over time, chiropractic care has become a key part of mainstream healthcare. Medicare first covered spinal manipulation in 1972, and by 1974, chiropractic services were included in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. Most state workers' compensation programs also recognize chiropractic care as a benefit.
The profession has also made significant strides in military and veterans' healthcare. Since 1993, chiropractic services have been available to active-duty military personnel at over 60 bases worldwide. In 1999, Congress expanded access to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), now offering chiropractic care at 70 major VA facilities. In 2014, the VA launched the nation's first chiropractic residency program, training DCs alongside medical professionals in integrated hospital settings.
With the opioid crisis driving demand for non-drug pain management, leading health organizations—including the American College of Physicians (ACP)—now recommend therapies like spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for back pain. This shift reflects growing recognition of chiropractic's role in reducing reliance on prescription medications.
Today, thousands of licensed chiropractors practice across the U.S., serving millions of patients annually in private clinics, multidisciplinary centers, and major hospitals. As research continues to validate its benefits, chiropractic care remains a vital, evolving part of modern healthcare.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Becoming a licensed chiropractor is a journey of consistent training. They complete their undergraduate education in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, and public health. After completing their undergraduate degree, aspiring chiropractors pursue a 4-year chiropractic program with hands-on training from a Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited college in the U.S. Upon completing the program, chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They obtain a chiropractic license in the U.S. by clearing the exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
The field is dynamic, where practicing chiropractors should earn continuing education units annually to maintain their license. Many specialize in sub-specialties related to geriatric, pediatric, or neurological areas. They are not professionals who pursue an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree and are not licensed to issue birth/death certificates.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment or spinal or joint manipulation is a standard procedure in which chiropractors use their hands or small instruments on joints. They apply a definite force to a joint, creating a popping/cracking sound. A chiropractic adjustment aims to release tension from the focus area, improve the range of motion, and reduce stiffness. Your chiropractor will recommend a chiropractic adjustment if you suffer from lower/mid/upper back regions and neck and head pain. It is a safe procedure when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors near you also deliver the following treatments:
- Soft-tissue therapy: Chiropractors use this technique to relieve painful knots in tight muscles by releasing tension in the fascia. They often use foam rollers and muscle scraper tools for this purpose.
- Joint bracing/taping: In this procedure, chiropractors use stretchy adhesive tape like Kinesio Tape to assist a weak/injured muscle continue working. It reduces inflammation and swelling, supporting sprained ligaments or muscles in the shoulders, arms, or legs.
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches: These are recommended after an injury, as they prevent scar tissue from forming. Your chiropractor will instruct you to stretch regularly to improve your range of motion. These are essential to keeping your tissues flexible while protecting you from new injuries.
In addition to the above treatments, your chiropractor will recommend you undergo diet and nutritional counseling to speed up your recovery. Chiropractic care aims to bring comfort through pain relief and healing so patients can enjoy a better daily life.
Who can seek chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic adjustment is an effective treatment modality for individuals of all ages, including children and adults. However, most people seeking chiropractic care are between 45 and 64.
Before undergoing a chiropractic adjustment, it is essential to undergo a screening to determine your suitability for chiropractic care. Suppose the assessment reveals that chiropractic care may not be optimal for your condition. In that case, your chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare provider better equipped to address your needs.
When should you visit a chiropractor, and what to expect?
People seek chiropractic care for musculoskeletal ailments like arthritis, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, slipped discs, etc. Consider visiting a chiropractor near you if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Headaches and migraines: Tense neck muscles are among the most common causes of chronic headaches and migraines. Your chiropractor can help reduce some of the tension in your cervical spine through adjustments and bring some relief.
- Pain in the back or joints: If nagging pain in the back or joints has been a constant worry, your local chiropractor could help. They investigate the source of the pain through imaging technologies like X-rays or CT scans and perform chiropractic adjustments to reduce inflammation. Their care can bring you much comfort without invasive surgical procedures.
- Limited range of motion: A normal range of motion is essential to function efficiently. For instance, opening your mouth may be difficult or painful during a TMJ-related concern. In some cases, arthritic joints could restrict your movement. No matter the condition, timely chiropractic adjustments can help realign muscles and bones, restoring your body's original range of motion.
- Shooting pain in limbs: A trained chiropractor can help identify the cause of sharp shooting pain in your arms or legs. This type of pain often results from a slipped disc or pinched nerve. Chiropractors can deliver the necessary treatment to alleviate the pain in either case.
- Muscle catch/sprain: Unattended muscle injuries can lead to scar tissue formation during healing. It appears as painful knots that limit movement in the affected area. If you have suffered from a recent episode of a strained muscle, consult a chiropractor to get the necessary adjustments and live pain-free.
Sometimes, your general physician would refer you to a chiropractor. However, you don't always need a referral to meet a chiropractor unless your health plan requires specific referral requirements.
At your first appointment with a chiropractor, they will inquire about your main complaint and medical history. After a round of physical examinations, they recommend tests like X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography) scans, or MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) if needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Upon receiving the results of your investigations, your chiropractor will formulate a treatment plan customized to you and your condition. The program includes a series of adjustments, stretching exercises, diet and lifestyle changes, heat/icing therapy, massage therapy, and stress relief techniques. Your chiropractic visits will depend on the seriousness of your condition.
Chiropractic adjustments may not yield positive results for everyone, as the effectiveness often hinges on individual circumstances. Suppose your symptoms show no improvement even after several weeks of treatments. In that case, chiropractic adjustments may not be the most suitable option for addressing your situation.
What is a chiropractic examination for your lower back?
An initial chiropractic examination for back pain typically involves three key components: a consultation, case history, and physical examination, with the possibility of additional laboratory analysis and X-ray examinations.
During the consultation, the patient provides a concise overview of their lower back pain, including details on the duration, frequency, and nature of symptoms, along with factors that alleviate or exacerbate the pain. The chiropractor may also ask about your family history, dietary habits, occupational history, and past experiences with other treatments.
The physical examination is crucial, and the chiropractor may use diverse methods to identify spinal segments requiring attention. Techniques like static and motion palpation help determine hypermobile or fixated spinal segments. These results suggest additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to locate subluxations or altered vertebra positions. Some chiropractors also use a device to measure skin temperature, identifying areas with significant temperature differences that may require manipulation.
Chiropractors often embrace a holistic, biomechanical approach to balance the bipedal structure from the feet upward. Their training encompasses a range of assessment methods, including joint, bone, muscle, and tendon examinations. They are skilled in various neurologic tests and proficient in orthopedic, cardiovascular, and other standard diagnostic techniques. Moreover, chiropractors often employ diagnostic studies such as radiography, laboratory diagnostics, and neurodiagnostics to enhance their understanding of the patient's condition.
Does chiropractic adjustment have any side effects and complications?
The side effects of chiropractic adjustment are generally mild and temporary and come down within a day of the treatment. Common side effects include soreness in the treated area, general tiredness, and mild headaches. In sporadic patients, serious complications such as stroke, herniated discs, and cauda equina syndrome occur, and such cases need immediate attention.
How do exercises complement chiropractic treatment?
When combined with exercises, chiropractic adjustments help manage chronic back pain, strengthen the back, and improve the quality of life in patients with long-lasting back pain. Depending on the patient's medical history, the chiropractor consults with the patient's primary care provider and then recommends an exercise program.
The exercise regimen is generally a combination of cardiovascular and strengthening workouts. Chiropractors recommend exercises based on whether the patients are more comfortable flexing or extending their back. For patients who find bending forward easy, chiropractors suggest exercises such as bending forward, touching the nose to the knees, and pulling the knees to the chest. If patients feel that extending their back is more manageable, chiropractors recommend practicing press-ups.
The right questions to ask when choosing a chiropractor
If you are seeking chiropractic care for yourself, you must know that it is a long-term process. Since you will be meeting your chiropractor quite a few times, you must be comfortable with them throughout your journey to recovery. Before starting treatment with any chiropractor, consider asking them the following questions:
Question to ask about chiropractor's qualifications:
- What is your education and training history?
- Did you graduate from an accredited university?
- Do you hold a state practice license?
- Do you have any board certifications?
- How do you upgrade your knowledge and skills in your field?
Question to ask about chiropractor's experience:
- When did you start practicing as a chiropractor?
- What conditions do you specialize in diagnosing and treating?
- Do you have experience dealing with my particular condition?
- Can you help me with some patient testimonials and professional references?
Question to ask about chiropractor's approach to care:
- What chiropractic techniques do you use?
- Do you offer lifestyle and diet counseling?
- Will you provide me with an at-home care plan?
- Will you manage my care with more healthcare professionals?
Question to ask about chiropractic care:
- Is chiropractic care safe? Are there any known risks or side effects?
- What will happen during chiropractic sessions?
- How many chiropractic sessions will I need to feel better?
- How will you monitor my recovery progress?
Find the right chiropractor near you in San Francisco, CA
Before visiting your local chiropractor, research online to find the one that best suits your preferences. If you are based in San Francisco and seek the best chiropractic care near you, Zocdoc can help you find one. Visit the Zocdoc website; enter your medical condition, city, insurance carrier plan, and the preferred date you wish to book an online appointment or in-person visit.
If you cannot locate your health plan, consider using the Zocdoc insurance detector. To use this feature, you must create a free Zocdoc account. Then, go to the insurance section in the account settings and upload a clear image of your insurance card. Do not worry about the security of your details because we use the best industry practices for data protection and privacy. After uploading, wait until Zocdoc scans the image and suggests your likely plan. You can feed the information in the search bar. Do you have any more insurance-related questions? Visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
After specifying all the required information, the website will direct you to the list of top chiropractors in your area from which you can make an informed decision. While choosing a chiropractor near you, remember to look for their educational background, years of experience, expertise, and verified patient reviews. With Zocdoc, you can book appointments and check the details of your insurance plan through its insurance checker.
Chiropractor statistics in San Francisco, California
An estimated 35 million Americans seek chiropractic services annually. Chiropractic care can reduce medical spending on pain-relief care for spinal issues by 85%. In California alone, there are over 8200 licensed chiropractors. Arthritis is the primary leading cause of disability in the U.S. and affects over 5.9 million Californians. Early diagnosis and treatment can help decrease pain and mobility issues due to arthritis.
As per the May 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is among the top five states, with about 3,410 licensed chiropractors legally practicing in the state, right after Texas.
America's Health Rankings published the statistics for arthritis trends in California. According to this report, in 2023, roughly 21.0% of adults in the state had some form of arthritis. Close to 47.5% of people over 65 in California live with arthritis. The percentages were higher among women (23.9%) than men (18.1%).
Sources
WebMD
Hands Down Better
American Chiropractic Association
Cleveland Clinic
National Center for Biotechnology Information
California Department of Public Health
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America’s Health Rankings
Mayo Clinic
SPINE-health
Pivotal Chiropractic & Wellness LLC
American Chiropractic Association
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