Chiropractors

Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Chiropractic Doctor (DC); Chiropractic Neurologist; Chiropractic Physician

Tasks

• Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.
• Obtain and record patients' medical histories.
• Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
• Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
• Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
• Consult with or refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.
• Advise patients about recommended courses of treatment.
• Counsel patients about nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, or other matters.
• Provide guidance to patients on exercises they can perform to improve mobility.
• Analyze x-rays to locate the sources of patients' difficulties and to rule out fractures or diseases as sources of problems.
• Take x-rays.
• Recommend and arrange for diagnostic procedures, such as blood chemistry tests, saliva tests, x-rays, or other imaging procedures.
• Suggest and apply the use of supports such as straps, tapes, bandages, or braces if necessary.

Knowledge

• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• Biology
• Therapy and Counseling
• Administration and Management
• English Language
• Administrative
• Education and Training
• Psychology
• Sales and Marketing
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Computers and Electronics
• Law and Government

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Science
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Written Expression
• Speech Clarity
• Information Ordering
• Near Vision
• Speech Recognition
• Flexibility of Closure
• Category Flexibility
• Trunk Strength
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Perceptual Speed
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Multilimb Coordination
• Speed of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Static Strength