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.