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A chiropractor is a healthcare provider that focuses on and treats neuromuscular skeletal conditions and their impact on both physical and mental health. They are able to assess symptoms through a physical exam process, which include range of motion assessments, muscle testing, orthopedic testing, functional movement screen testing, soft tissue and bony palpation and much more. They provide chiropractic adjustments/manipulations to the spine and extremities, soft tissue techniques and rehabilitation exercises to help patients reach their goals.

Chiropractors undergo 3-4 years of post-undergraduate training at an accredited chiropractic university, which include various areas of coursework, hands-on experience and clinical programs for patient care hours. Coursework includes basic sciences and pathology, radiology, diagnostics of the neuromusculoskeletal system, manipulation and adjusting, soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation techniques and much more.

They also must pass four parts and a physical therapy board examination by the National Chiropractic Board of Examiners. A chiropractor also has to pass state licensing requirements, which may also include another examination specific to the practice of chiropractic in that given state where they intend to practice. Chiropractors must undergo specific requirements and hours of continuing education yearly as well while covering various topics.

Chiropractic care focuses on treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions utilizing various techniques to decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Each condition requires a different approach to care and can vary dramatically depending on who the patient is and what the patient’s goals include. Every patient’s chiropractic care can vary depending on their program.

A chiropractic adjustment is a technique that a chiropractor will use to help patients with their symptoms. It can be referred to as a high velocity low amplitude procedure, meaning it is a quick and minimally forceful motion at a targeted joint within the spine or extremities to assist in symptom relief. Adjustments or manipulations are utilized to increase range of motion and specific joints and decrease pain.

A sports chiropractor has a typical or general chiropractic background, but continued their education in the realm of sports medicine. This can be done through an accredited athletic training program, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine program or even a post-doctoral education program that allows the chiropractor to sit for a board examination by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. This board examination focuses on evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, sport-specific treatments/rehabilitation, taping techniques, emergency action plan procedures, concussion evaluations and much more.

Once a chiropractor passes this board examination, they can be a sports chiropractor and can obtain the Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner®. Once this is complete, a sports chiropractor can undergo more continuing education to increase their experience and education of sports medicine as a chiropractor to take an additional board examination to earn a Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians®.

Chiropractic care in the state of Texas most often does not require a referral. If a patient is planning to use health insurance to go towards their visit, there are some insurance policies that require a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) or MD. That being said, most health insurance policies do not require a referral and most chiropractors tend to have a time of service rate where health insurance is not required at all.

Chiropractic care is not expensive compared to other forms of healthcare. The idea of costs and investments differ based on the person. Realistically, each person only gets one body that is expected to last on them throughout the span of their life. Taking care of it is an investment, just like taking care of a motor vehicle where maintenance and upkeep are required. 12-24 visits of chiropractic care are generally much less expensive than one major orthopedic surgery on a given area (especially if the surgery can be prevented and the area can be treated conservatively in a proper manner.) Generally speaking, chiropractic care is not expensive and there are many other health related appointments that can be much more expensive.