Do you need a license to practice chiropractics?

Answer 1

Chiropractors must follow the scope of practice that each state board sets for them. Some states allow for a variety of treatment methods and other states are much stricter.

The primary method of treatment that chiropractors use is spinal manipulation, which is often referred to as an adjustment. In addition to that, many chiropractors use nutritional supplements and soft tissue work to facilitate their holistic style of healing. A wide variety of modalities including but not limited to superficial heat, cryotherapy, micro-current, trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and cold laser are also used by chiropractors regularly. Some states even allow chiropractors to act in a similar way as a physical therapist by allowing them to prescribe exercises to promote healing while other states do not. Chiropractors are very regularly the primary care provider for patients and are often licensed and educated on how to do a comprehensive physical exam including orthopedic exams, neurological exams and even genital exams, in some states. Some states allow chiropractors to treat a variety of health conditions while other states require that chiropractors only treat conditions related to the back. In general states do not allow chiropractors to treat with drugs whether they are over the counter or prescription, but there is a small push in some states to allow chiropractors to do so. In states such as Oregon chiropractors may even be certified to do minor surgeries. In general, there is a wide variety of what chiropractors are allowed to do from state to state as mentioned above which is why I highly recommend visiting your state's chiropractic board website.

Answer 2

In most western countries a license is required