Doctor of Chiropractic - Definition and Overview

A Doctor of Chiropractic is the highly trained health professional whose job is to evaluate patients' health by use of inspection, palpation, and other diagnostic testing including, but not limited to diagnostic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, etc. After diagnoses have been made, a Doctor of Chiropractic may choose several non-medical, non-surgical methods to correct vertebral subluxations and other neuromusculoskeletal ailments to re-establish better neurologic, muscular, and skeletal function in the body. Most methods include some form of adjustment to a bony structure where specific bony landmarks are contact by specific manual contacts and where calculated forces are delivered along precise vectors to correct the condition. Other methods include physical therapy modalities, acupuncture, and more.

Differences in scopes of practice do determine what a Chiropractic Doctor is allowed to do in his or her state.