Job Duties of a Chiropractor

A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic, provides alternative health care to patients with the use of her hands. The word chiropractic, according to Dr. Brian J. Russell, comes from the Greek "cheir," which means "hand," and "pratten," which means "to do." Dr. Russell says, "At its essence, chiropractic means to do by hand."

What a Chiropractor Does

• A chiropractor determines the best ways to correct what is bothering a patient and performs manual techniques to realign the body. Chiropractors often work with adjustment problems related to the back, neck and spinal cord.

General Duties

• A chiropractor examines patients and diagnoses problems. He may order x-rays or other necessary tests. The chiropractor performs hands-on manipulation to realign the spine or other parts of the body's system of bones and muscles. Pain relief is one result of spinal manipulation.

Specific Duties

• A chiropractor may counsel a patient on eating and sleeping habits. These habits may be especially related to the patient's physical problems.

Referrals

• A chiropractor will refer patients to other doctors for conditions and treatments that are outside the scope of her practice.

Primary Care

• A chiropractor may act as a primary health care provider.