Chiropractors diagnose, treat and help prevent conditions and disorders related to muscles, bones, joints and nerves.As primary care practitioners, chiropractors can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment and management plan, which may include manual therapy, exercise, and nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling. Chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with other conditions.The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.

Chiropractors may also utilize a wide range of other manual therapies as well as heat, laser and ultrasound. A chiropractor does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but may make a referral to medical specialists for such treatment when appropriate.

Chiropractors spend four years at an accredited chiropractic institution. The chiropractic curriculum at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto includes studies in anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, chiropractic principles, diagnosis and adjustment techniques.

Chiropractors are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title ‘Doctor,’ with its accompanying rights and obligations.

Acupuncture can be used to treat musculoskeletal (MSK)-related pain—an area where your chiropractor is an expert. Doctors of chiropractic assess conditions related to the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems, and they are qualified to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders and dysfunctions related to the musculoskeletal system. Acupuncture is just one of the modalities that your chiropractor may use to treat your MSK-related pain.

The practice of acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at particular pressure points in order to produce an analgesic—or painkilling—effect. For those chiropractors who perform acupuncture therapy, they have completed additional training from a recognized educational institution. A chiropractor qualified to practice acupuncture must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of formal training in accordance with the requirements set out by their province.

While acupuncture in the field of chiropractic can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, there are three areas that tend to receive the most attention from chiropractors—neck pain, headaches, and low back pain.