About the Profession

Origins

Daniel David (“D.D.”) Palmer founded the profession in 1895
Chiropractic comes from the Greek words “cheiros” (hand) and “praktos” (done by), meaning “done by hand”

Scope of Practice

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare providers that diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, order diagnostic testing, and make appropriate referrals.

Chiropractic Education

Most programs are 10 trimesters and take approximately 3 ⅓ years to complete
Courses include basic sciences, chiropractic sciences, and clinical sciences
4,200 total hours (equivalent to MD/DO programs)
The final year involves patient care in the campus clinic, community clinics, and/or preceptor programs
Passing scores on national board and state jurisprudence exams required prior to licensure

Efficacy

Research has shown that conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation, massage, exercise therapy, and patient education is effective in the treatment of the following:

Acute, subacute, and chronic neck pain
Acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain
Cervicogenic headaches
Sports injuries (muscle strains, overuse injuries)
Lateral epicondylitis
Plantar fasciitis
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Hip and knee osteoarthritis
Adhesive capsulitis

LeFebvre, Ron, et al. “Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care.” Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, vol. 18, no. 1, 28 Dec. 2012, pp. 75–79., doi:10.1177/2156587212458435.

Texas Chiropractic College Chiropractic Oath

I do hereby affirm before God and assembled witnesses that I will keep this oath and stipulation:

To hold in esteem and respect those who taught me this chiropractic healing art; to follow the methods of treatment which according to my ability and judgement I consider for the benefit of my patients; to abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, to stand ready at all times to serve my fellow man without distinction of race, creed, or color.

With purity I will pass my life and practice my art; I will at all times consider the patients under my care as of supreme importance. I will not spare myself in rendering them the help which I have been taught to give by my alma mater; I will keep inviolate all things revealed to me as a physician.

While I continue this oath inviolate, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of chiropractic healing art, respected my men at all times.