Where to Get Help

Chiropractors

What Chiropractors Do

Chiropractors (DCs) hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and are licensed in most English-speaking countries. Their primary treatment method is spinal manipulation (adjustment).

Licensing and Regulation

Country Licensed Regulated Education
United States Yes State boards 4-year doctoral program
United Kingdom Yes General Chiropractic Council 4–5 year degree
Australia Yes AHPRA 5-year program
Canada Yes Provincial regulators 4-year doctoral program

What the Evidence Says

  • Spinal manipulation has moderate evidence for short-term pain relief in some patients with low back pain
  • For chronic low back pain specifically, the evidence is similar to other conservative treatments (exercise, physical therapy) — not clearly superior
  • Major guidelines (NICE, ACP — American College of Physicians) include spinal manipulation as one of several options, alongside exercise and psychological approaches
  • There is no evidence that spinal manipulation corrects "subluxations" or treats non-musculoskeletal conditions

Important Considerations

Positive:

  • Licensed and regulated in most English-speaking countries
  • Can be helpful for short-term pain relief
  • Many chiropractors now incorporate exercise and rehabilitation into their practice

Cautions:

  • Be wary of practitioners who recommend long-term treatment plans (e.g., "3 times per week for 6 months") without clear improvement milestones
  • X-rays should not be taken routinely — they are only indicated when red flags are present
  • Avoid practitioners who claim to treat non-musculoskeletal conditions (allergies, infections, organ diseases) through spinal adjustment
  • Neck manipulation carries a rare but serious risk of vertebral artery dissection — discuss this risk before cervical adjustments

Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

  1. What is your treatment plan, and what outcomes should I expect?
  2. How will we measure progress?
  3. At what point would you refer me to a physician or physical therapist?
  4. Do you incorporate exercise into your approach?
  5. Are you comfortable coordinating with my medical doctor?