Chiropractors, the focus of this category, are health professionals who use hands-on spinal manipulation or adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body, the goal being to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the natural ability of the body to heal itself.
Chiropractors may also use heat and ice, electrical stimulation, relaxation techniques, rehabilitative exercise, dietary supplements, counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle issues that may affect health.
Typically, when seeing a new patient, a chiropractor will assess the patient's medical condition by reviewing the patient's medical history and concerns, and by performing a physical examination. During this examination, a chiropractor will analyze the patient's posture, spine, and reflexes, which may include the use of x-rays, as well as a referral to other healthcare professionals, when indicated.
Commonly, chiropractors will have a focus on the patient's overall health, believing that a malfunctioning spine and somatic tissues can interfere with the patient's neuromuscular system, resulting in poor health.
Some chiropractors use other procedures, such as massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and ultrasound in addition to spinal adjustments.
Some chiropractors are dual-licensed as medical doctors, usually in the area of orthopedics. Besides maintaining a general chiropractic practice, they may specialize in sports injuries, work-related injuries, neurology, pediatrics, or nutrition.
Chiropractic medicine is one of the newer health fields and, as such, it is often misunderstood. Although evidence can be found of awareness of the benefits of spinal manipulation as far back as 17,500 BC, and healers practicing various methods of early chiropractic could be found throughout the world, throughout history, it is generally accepted that modern chiropractic care began with Daniel David Palmer in the late 1800s. However, in 1905 he was indicted for practicing medicine without a license.
His son, Barlett Joshua Palmer, is credited with developing chiropractic. Besides continuing the chiropractic clinic and school established by his father, even after the two had had a falling out, he did much to promote chiropractic medicine and served as president of the Palmer College of Chiropractic from 1905 to his death in 1961.
Under his leadership, Palmer College graduates were licensed to practice chiropractic, and he began the fight to have chiropractors licensed by an independent board. He also advocated for the use of x-rays, which was then a new technology.
Today, of course, chiropractors are licensed by independent boards and, before they can be licensed as chiropractors, they must successfully complete a program of training that is roughly equivalent to that of a medical doctor. While it is true that they are not medical doctors, they are doctors of chiropratic.
In the United States, a chiropractor must complete about eight years of higher education. Typically, a chiropractor will complete four years of undergraduate education, usually graduating with a pre-med major after taking courses in sciences, including biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics. Then, he or she will attend a chiropractic graduate program, which involves four years of education, the fourth year consisting of a clinical internship. After completing the education and training requirements, an aspiring chiropractor must sit for the state licensing board. Once an applicant has obtained licensure and certification from the board, he or she becomes a doctor of chiropractic.
The requirements are similar in Canada and Australia, where chiropractors are also considered doctors, and chiropractic care is a fully recognized health field. Although chiropractors are recognized as doctors in the United Kingdom, their status appears to be somewhat less than that of a medical doctor.
The legal status of chiropractic care differs from country to country, although most countries recognize chiropractic care as legitimate, but to varying degrees.
Throughout most of the world, chiropractors are recognized as legitimate medical practitioners, and as doctors of chiropractic. As chiropractic care becomes more familiar and regulated in a manner similar to that of other health professions, it becomes more widely accepted and integrated with the larger medical community.
The focus of this guide is on chiropractors and chiropractic care. Weblinks to local chiropractors or chiropractic groups might also be submitted to the Local & Global category representing the office or clinic location.
Recommended Resources
Activator Methods International
AMI has provided chiropractic care, resources, and training since 1967, developing the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique and the associated Activator Adjusting Instrument. Today, the organization offers technique seminars throughout the world, providing instruction and certification opportunities for chiropractors, as well as online training in the Basic Scan Protocol, which is essential to the Activator Method. Instruments and accessories, videos, and other resources are available.
https://www.activator.com/
American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists
Established in 1955, the ACCO provides post-doctoral continuing education in chiropractic orthopedic specialties. An independent, not-for-profit, educational organization, ACCO member benefits, and levels are listed, and an application for membership can be made online. A member directory is also included, listed by state. Schedules for the ACCO annual convention are published to the site, with registration information, and its scholarship programs are discussed.
https://acco.wildapricot.org/
British Chiropractic Association
Representing approximately half of the chiropractors in the United Kingdom, the BCA is the largest and longest established association for chiropractors in the UK. Its site presents an overview of chiropractic care, its regulation in the UK, along with information for medical professionals. Viewers can also learn how to become chiropractors, including places of study, a profile of the BCA, such as membership benefits, contacts, media reports, and tips on injury prevention.
https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/
Canadian Chiropractic Association
Serving as a national voice for the chiropractic profession in Canada, the CCA is made up of licensed Doctors of Chiropractic in Canada, and ten Provincial Chiropractic Associations. Its member benefits, advocacy projects, partnerships, and contacts are published to the site, along with informational resources on chiropractic care, back care tips, prevention of falls, and a quiz on the back are put forth. Licensed chiropractors in Canada may be located through its search engine.
https://www.chiropractic.ca/
Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board
The CCEB conducts clinical competency exams for applicants seeking licensure to practice chiropractic in Canada. These include the development, delivery, and administration of three exams, covering chiropractic knowledge (Component A), clinical decision making (Component B), and clinical skills demonstration (Component C), CCEB certification being required by the Provincial Regulatory Boards for chiropractors applying for provincial licensure. Exam information is outlined.
https://www.cceb.ca/
Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation
Founded in 1976, the CCRF funds chiropractic research to discover the best treatments for patients living with pain and disability caused by spinal dysfunction and disease. Its board of directors, staff, and researchers are introduced, and an overview of some of its projects and their impacts are provided. The organization’s national partners are acknowledged, recent media reports are cited, and ways in which individuals, corporations, or organizations may contribute are included.
https://www.canadianchiropracticresearchfoundation.ca/
Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators
The CSCE is a not-for-profit organization created as a non-share corporation in 1996, charged with promoting a high level of quality, expertise, and standardization in the performance of independent chiropractic evaluations, resulting in the production of a narrative report. The purposes of the CSCE are listed, along with the minimum requirements for membership. Board members, committee members, and a membership directory are listed, and its monthly newsletter may be downloaded.
http://www.thecsce.ca/en/
Partnered with ChiroCredit.com, a source for online chiropractic continuing education, the site features podcasts interviews and evidence-based resources on topics related to chiropractic care from chiropractic researchers from around the world, which may be viewed online. Available for purchase is a chiropractic science slides presentation in both portrait and landscape modes, as well as yearly updates to the slide presentations. Links to other resources are included.
https://chiropracticscience.com/
Published twenty times a year, Chiropractic Economics features articles about office management, patient relations, personal development, employee management, financial planning, marketing, legal issues, clinical and research data, wellness issues, and nutrition for practicing chiropractors. Founded in 1954, the magazine is available by free subscription, and an archive going back as far as 2007 is available online, along with a buyer’s guide and product directory.
https://www.chiroeco.com/
If you are in search of a chiropractor in Independence, it makes sense to choose an experienced doctor you can trust. Our comprehensive approach at Classic Functional Health in Independence MO ensures that we give you the best opportunity to achieve health. Rest assured, you will be in good hands with the chiropractic team at Classic Functional Health. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team in Independence. We are here to help you achieve your health goals.
https://www.classicfunctionalhealth.com/
Situated in midtown Toronto, near the St. Clair West Subway, the CORE Wellness Centre is a full-service chiropractic center offering adjustments, orthotics, massage therapists, exercise programs, posture analysis, and nutritional analysis. Treating back and neck pain, whiplash injuries, car accidents, and sports injuries, the clinic is operated by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, and RMT. Directions, policy information, and a full list of its services and specialized programs are included.
https://corewellnesscentre.ca/
Council on Chiropractic Guidelines & Practice Parameters: Clinical Compass
The purpose of the CCGPP is to gather and evaluate existing evidence-based information on chiropractic practice, to facilitate the development of new information where evidence is lacking, and to assist in the distribution and implementation of evidence-based information relevant to chiropractic care. Clinical guidelines are posted, and an overview of the CCGPP Rapid Response Resource Center is given, as well as a Rapid Response Team request form. Board members are acknowledged.
http://clinicalcompass.org/
Council on Chiropractic Practice
The CCP was established in 1995 to develop evidence-based guidelines, conduct research, and perform other functions to enhance chiropractic practices for the benefit of the patients. A non-profit organization, the CCP is not affiliated with the ACA, ICA, WCA, COCSA, FCLB, or any state association, but was founded as a grassroots group to produce practice guidelines developed by practitioners rather than academia. Its history, mission, guidelines, and guidelines process are given.
http://ccp-guidelines.org/
Indexed by CINAHL, Dynamic Chiropractic is a chiropractic trade magazine distributed largely in the United States and Canada. The current issue and archives are available to read online, and licensed chiropractors may request free paper editions, although some content is exclusively available in the digital edition. Articles may be submitted by readers, and the publication’s submission guidelines are stated. Webinar schedules are posted, as well as a directory of chiropractors.
https://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/
The GCC is an independent statutory body established by the UK Parliament to regulate the chiropractic profession, ensuring high standards of practice within the industry. Its roles, structure and governance, and organizational policies are detailed, along with information on chiropractic standards in the United Kingdom, education and registration requirements for studying chiropractic, becoming a chiropractor, and joining the Registrar are posted. A private login for chiropractors is included.
https://www.gcc-uk.org/
Gonstead Clinical Studies Society
Named for Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead, the GCSS was formed to perpetuate the teachings of its namesake, to fund chiropractic research, and to encourage cooperation and camaraderie among those who practice the Gonstead technique. Formed in 1979, the organization has developed a College of Fellows to oversee quality control of Gonstead Chiropractors, certifying Constrerad Chiropractors through a Diplomate program and testing. A member directory is included.
https://www.gonstead.com/
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
Founded in 1986, the ICPA’s stated mission is to establish and advance the chiropractic family lifestyle, supporting family chiropractors with evidence-formed practice, advocating for excellence in professional skills, and delivering educational resources for the wellbeing of the family. Its history, leadership, position statements and involvements are highlighted, along with membership policies, benefits, and types, as well as a referral directory, and certification programs.
https://icpa4kids.com/
International Chiropractors Association
Founded by B.J. Palmer in 1926, the ICA is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. Its objectives and stated values, vision, and mission are discussed, the history of the organization is told, and its leadership is introduced. An overview of its advocacy efforts is given, and the benefits of membership for students and doctors of chiropractic are stated. Membership applications may be downloaded or completed online. Its councils, partners, and a calendar of events are included.
http://www.chiropractic.org/
National Directory of Chiropractic
Originating in 1989, the directory of chiropractors in the United States and Canada has been online since 2003. The directory may be browsed by state or province, and then by city. For each listed chiropractor, the chiropractor and clinic name, address, and phone number are given, along with brief notes about the chiropractor’s education and techniques used. When available, a web link is included. Those who are not listed may submit their information for consideration.
https://www.chirodirectory.com/
Ontario Chiropractic Association
Formed in 1929, the OCA represents member chiropractors in Ontario as a voluntary professional association, serving as a voice for its members and advancing the understanding and use of chiropractic care. Informational articles on various topics regarding chiropractic, back health, the prevention of falls, ergonomics, winter shoveling, and other topics for which chiropractic care may be indicated are displayed, and a directory of chiropractors is available.
https://www.chiropractic.on.ca/
Open seven days a week, the New Westminster & Burnaby chiropractic and massage clinic is located in Burnaby, near New Westminster and Coquitlam, in British Columbia. Its location and directions are given, and its services are outlined, along with an introduction to each of its service providers. A fee schedule is listed, and appointments may be booked online or by telephone. Contacts are posted on the site, which also includes an informational blog and patient reviews.
https://pacifichealth.ca/
The portal and directory of chiropractic includes a state-by-state directory of US chiropractors and/or chiropractic clinics. Listed practices include the name, address, phone number, and a link to the clinic website, if available. For each state, listed locations are also posted on a map. Chiropractic practices not listed may submit their information for consideration. Advertising opportunities are also available, along with chiropractic schools, events, and seminars.
https://planetc1.com/
Sacro Occipital Research Society International
SORSI was established by Dr. De Jarnette in 1929, and it became international in 1957 as the official home for Sacro Occipital Technic (SOT) Methods and SOT Craniopathy Methods education and certification. Membership offers members the availability of continuing education, certification, clinical research, and access to accepted research papers, as well as staff assistance, access to a members-only portion of the website, affiliations, and discounts on various events.
https://sorsi.com/
Sante Chiropractic and Wellness
Located in Orléans/Ottawa, Ontario, the chiropractic clinic and wellness center offers treatment for neck pain, lower back pain, and other health issues, including massage therapy. The doctors, RMTs, and staff are introduced, the location, hours of operation, and policies of the clinic are stated, its services are listed, and several informational articles offer tips on wellness and prevention issues. Other resources include a blog and an online store for vitamins and supplements.
https://www.santechiropractic.com/
In publication for more than forty years, the trade magazine is published on paper, thirteen issues per year, including an annual buyer’s guide, with a bi-monthly publication of The Chiropractic Assistant Magazine, and unlimited access to the digital archive of the magazine, available by subscription. Available advertising opportunities are described, and sales contacts are posted to the site. Other resources may include discounts, free downloadable e-books, and other information.
http://theamericanchiropractor.com/
As a local chiropractor in Alexandria, Virginia, The Joint Chiropractic welcomes those who want to join the millions of Americans who have not only found relief from back pain, but also a pathway to wellness with chiropractic’s natural, drug-free approach to healthcare. Directions are available from the site, and its location is shown on a map. The hours of operation, contact information, and downloadable new patient forms are available. Its plans, pricing, and patient rating is presented.
https://www.thejoint.com/virginia/alexandria/bradlee-center-10017
Tracy Chiropractic is a chiropractic office in Tracy, CA. Founded in 2007, our practice offers treatments and therapies for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including lower back pain, neck strain, knee sprains, and hip bursitis. We create a regimen of stretches and exercises for patients to perform before and after workouts to reduce recovery time and help keep muscles and tendons in optimal condition. We accept most major health insurance plans.
http://thetracychiro.com
The WCA is a registered not-for-profit corporation that serves as the voice of conservative, or subluxation-based chiropractors. Recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) affiliated with the United Nations, the WCA plays a role in introducing chiropractic to developing nations and informing health officials about complementary and alternative medicine for wellness issues. Its guidelines are presented on its site, along with links to additional resources.
https://worldchiropracticalliance.org/
