Chiropractic Care
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is a natural, hands-on approach to health focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those involving the spine. Chiropractors use targeted adjustments and manual therapies to restore proper alignment to the spine and joints, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and support the body’s overall health. This approach is often used to relieve back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint discomfort but can also benefit the body’s nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems by promoting optimal alignment and movement.
Chiropractic care goes beyond pain relief by enhancing overall wellness and mobility, often helping with posture, flexibility, and daily function. In addition to adjustments, chiropractic treatment plans may include supportive therapies, such as stretching exercises, lifestyle counseling, or other complementary therapies, tailored to each individual’s needs.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, chiropractic care offers a personalized, non-invasive path to wellness that works in harmony with your body.
What can Chiropractors do?
In Arizona, chiropractors are licensed to provide a broad range of non-invasive treatments focused on musculoskeletal health, with an emphasis on spinal care. Chiropractors in Arizona can perform spinal and extremity adjustments (also known as manipulations) to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural alignment.
In addition to adjustments, Arizona-licensed chiropractors may use various supportive therapies to enhance treatment, including:
- Physical Therapies: Such as stretching exercises, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility.
- Modalities: Including electrical muscle stimulation (ESTIM), ultrasound therapy, TENS units, and hot/cold packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Chiropractors can advise on posture, ergonomics, nutrition, and exercise to support long-term health and prevent future injuries.
In Arizona, chiropractors are not authorized to prescribe medications, perform surgery, or treat conditions outside of the neuromusculoskeletal system. However, they often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Education Requirements
To become a licensed chiropractor in the United States, aspiring chiropractors must complete extensive education and training. Here is a breakdown of the general requirements:
- Undergraduate Education: Prospective chiropractors must complete at least three years (90 semester hours) of undergraduate coursework, often focusing on sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Some students may earn a bachelor's degree, although it is not always required.
- Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree: After undergraduate study, students must enroll in an accredited chiropractic college to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Chiropractic programs are typically four years long and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, pathology, and chiropractic techniques, with a strong emphasis on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
- Clinical Training: D.C. programs include supervised clinical experience, where students gain hands-on experience treating patients under the guidance of licensed chiropractors. This practical training prepares students to perform adjustments, diagnose issues, and develop treatment plans.
- Licensure Exams: To practice as a chiropractor, graduates must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams, which assess both basic science and clinical knowledge. Many states require chiropractors to pass additional state-specific exams as well.
- State Licensure: Chiropractors must obtain a license from the state in which they intend to practice, which typically includes completing required continuing education each year to maintain licensure.
Becoming a chiropractor generally requires 7-8 years of education and training, and chiropractors are considered primary care providers focused on non-invasive, manual therapies for musculoskeletal health.