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.