About Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Defined
- Chiropractic is the science of manipulating spinal and extremity joints to restore and improve joint function.
- Scientific evidence proves that spinal manipulation therapy improves nerve system function, decreases pain and serves a s a preventive treatment for
overall health and wellness.
- Chiropractors, officially Doctors of Chiropractic,are acknowledged as initial contact physicians under NCGS 97-2(20) and 97-88.2.
Brief History
- Records of spinal manipulations date back as far as 5,000 B.C.
- Dr. Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895.
- The first chiropractic college was erected in Davenport, Iowa in 1897.
Training & Licensure
- In addition to Chiropractic school, a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree is required for licensure.
- Chiropractic College consists of 10 Trimesters, which is equivalent to a 5-year Post-Graduate Degree.
- Chiropractors must complete the National Board Exam and Certification
- Chiropractors must pass a statewide licentiate exam and fulfill a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education requirements per year.
Scope of Practice
- Full Diagnostic Testing
- Spinal & Extremity Manipulation
- Ultrasound, Traction, Rehabilitation Exercises, Electric Muscle Stimulation
- Therapeutic Exercise Rehabilitation
- Dietary, Nutrition & Wellness Instruction
Utilitzation & Safety
- There are currently 1,512 Chiropractors practicing in North Carolina.
- Chiropractic is the third largest healthcare profession. An estimated 8 million North Carolinians visit chiropractic doctors each year.
- There are an estimated 250 million patient visits per year in the U.S., and a 65-year study reported only 255 cases of complications from spinal
manipulation therapy.
- The risk of complication from a chiropractic manipulation is 1 in 5,850,000. The risk of getting struck by lightening is 1 in 80,000. The risk of death from chronic use of drugs like Tylenol and Advil is 1 in 2,500.