Isn’t it strange how we know there are many kinds of medical doctors, yet we see doctors of chiropractic as not having specialties? In truth, a doctor of chiropractic degree does offer you a way to be a healthcare practitioner for people of all ages. Even better, there are specialties within the chiropractic profession.
The core purpose of chiropractic practice and procedure is to address disturbed joint biomechanics and the associated effects on the human body and nerve system function.
A doctor of chiropractic emphasizes a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis, and various care options.
Chiropractic care emphasizes a biopsychosocial care philosophy rather than one limited to a biomedical approach. People becoming a chiropractor want to offer a spectrum of care choices.
Determining the correct approach for each patient is central to chiropractic education. A comprehensive physical assessment is always step one. Every treatment plan is personalized to help patients achieve improved health and maintain physical function over a lifetime.
Doctors of chiropractic believe in optimizing health through:
Most chiropractic services are community-based in private offices, providing spine and extremity joint care to a broad of patients as part of a general chiropractic practice.
However, many doctors of chiropractic complete specialized training, bringing chiropractic care to a select patient group or type of patient.
Check out some of the more common chiropractic specialties available for those earning the Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a chiropractic college:
Sports chiropractic can focus on a wide range of sports teams, from amateur to professional. This may involve full-time employment at a university, with the U.S. Olympic Committee, or with a professional sports team. (See this profile of Dr. Patrick Hammond.)
Other chiropractors develop a sports practice within their community and treat athletes exclusively. These patients can be the “weekend warrior” who engages in heavy training or community sports leagues, school-based teams, and those who regularly do light training like walking or swimming to stay fit and for basic health and wellness.
According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, approximately 3% of children have been treated with chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation.
The benefits of chiropractic care for children extend to the treatment of many specific conditions, including:
The human body is a marvelously complex structure. Few understand its structural complexity better than a chiropractic radiologist does.
After earning a doctor of chiropractic degree, a chiropractic radiologist completes a three-year chiropractic radiology residency. Following this residency is an exam leading to diplomate status with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR) and membership into the American Chiropractic College of Radiology.
Chiropractic radiologists often consult with general practitioners in chiropractic to review patient diagnostic radiographs and assist with evaluating complex cases. In addition, the radiologists may be called to serve as expert witnesses, or independent medical evaluators for selected case presentations, including personal injury or worker compensation cases.
Animal chiropractors are involved with providing care for the health and wellness of the animal community. They aid in improving the spinal and related joint function and flexibility of domestic pets or farm/ranch animals to increase mobility and provide a better quality of life. (Read about Dr. Emily McLeod here.)
Chiropractic care for animals may benefit various musculoskeletal conditions, including older animals or those suffering from chronic pain common to a particular breed.
An animal chiropractor develops the treatment plan in coordination with the owners, riders, trainers, or veterinarians who know animals’ tendencies and may assist in identifying symptoms that indicate more serious problems.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a Kansas City metro suburb.
Our history in chiropractic education began in 1922. Today, CUKC is the only chiropractic university still guided by a member of the founding family. More than 11,000 chiropractors in the U.S. have a doctor of chiropractic degree from the CUKC College of Chiropractic.
Whether or not specialized training follows chiropractic education, chiropractic leads to an in-demand, satisfying career as a healthcare practitioner. The job outlook for doctors of chiropractic is for 10% growth from 2021 through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Find out more when you request CUKC information, and get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
