The practice of chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, and the effects these disorders have on overall health. All chiropractors in the United States must first earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited program, involving extensive training in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and manual therapies.
While the foundational education prepares all DCs for general practice, many practitioners pursue additional post-graduate training and board certifications. This allows them to develop deep expertise in specific areas of practice.
The Foundational Chiropractor and Diverse Techniques
The baseline practice of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic involves using manual techniques, most commonly spinal adjustments, to restore joint motion and function. General practitioners are often distinguished by the primary adjusting technique or philosophy they employ.
A highly common approach is the Diversified Technique, which utilizes high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manual thrusts to specific joints. These adjustments often produce an audible release and are used to improve mobility and alignment.
The Gonstead Technique emphasizes a meticulous, precision-based approach to spinal correction. Practitioners often rely on detailed analysis, including X-rays and specialized heat-detecting instruments, to pinpoint a specific vertebral misalignment before delivering an adjustment.
Conversely, the Activator Method utilizes a small, spring-loaded, hand-held instrument to deliver a low-force, high-speed impulse to the joint. This instrument-assisted technique is often preferred for patients who may not tolerate the manual thrust of other methods, such as those with severe osteoporosis or acute pain.
A distinct subset of foundational practice is Upper Cervical Specific care, which focuses almost entirely on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae at the top of the neck. This philosophy centers on the belief that misalignments in this localized area can interfere with the entire nervous system, requiring extremely precise, gentle corrections.
Focus on Specific Populations and Conditions
Beyond foundational techniques, many chiropractors pursue advanced training to specialize in treating specific demographics or injury types, often leading to formal board-certified diplomate status.
Sports Chiropractic
Sports Chiropractic is a well-defined specialty. Practitioners often hold a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) certification, requiring a minimum of 100 hours of post-graduate education. The highest level is the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP), which demands over 300 classroom hours, a rigorous examination, and significant on-field experience. These specialists focus on acute injury management, enhancing athletic performance, and developing sport-specific rehabilitation protocols, including emergency procedures and return-to-play decisions.
Pediatric Chiropractic
Pediatric Chiropractic focuses on the care of infants, children, and pregnant women, recognizing the unique anatomy and developmental stages of the young patient. A common credential is the Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP), which involves hundreds of hours of coursework. This training covers developmental anatomy, neurological assessment, and specialized, age-appropriate adjustment techniques. These specialists evaluate issues like developmental delays, infant crying, and birth trauma, using modified, low-force techniques.
Rehabilitation and Orthopedics
Specialists in Rehabilitation and Orthopedics focus on long-term functional restoration for chronic musculoskeletal conditions and complex injuries. Chiropractors who complete this advanced training earn the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board (DACRB) credential. This training involves the study of therapeutic exercise, advanced soft tissue techniques, and protocols for managing conditions of both the spine and the extremities. The DACRB practitioner emphasizes a functional, evidence-based approach aimed at improving patient mobility and self-management through active care models.
Advanced Diagnostic and Systems-Based Specialties
A third category of chiropractors focuses on advanced diagnostics and complex physiological systems, moving beyond primary musculoskeletal manipulation.
Chiropractic Neurology
Practitioners in Chiropractic Neurology earn the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB) after completing a three-year post-doctoral program. These specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of functional neurological disorders, such as balance issues, dizziness, and complex pain syndromes. They often use non-invasive methods like specific sensory stimulation and therapeutic exercises to improve brain and nervous system function.
Chiropractic Radiology
Chiropractic Radiology specialists, designated as Diplomates of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR), undergo an intense three-year, full-time residency program. The DACBR’s primary role is to serve as an imaging consultant, providing expert interpretation of X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans for other healthcare providers. Their expertise in musculoskeletal imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment plans.
Internal Disorders
The specialty of Internal Disorders, associated with the Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (DABCI) credential, focuses on systemic health and functional medicine. This certification requires over 300 hours of post-doctoral training in laboratory diagnosis, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. DABCI practitioners use conventional diagnostics like blood laboratory studies and advanced functional testing to identify the underlying causes of systemic dysfunction. They recommend natural therapeutics, dietetics, and supplementation to manage conditions.