The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall well-being. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, stress, and heredity. They also recommend lifestyle changes - in eating and sleeping habits, for example, to their patients. When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool because of the emphasis on the spine and its proper function.
Chiropractors also employ a postural and spinal analysis unique to chiropractic diagnosis.
In cases where difficulties can be traced to involvement of musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors manually manipulate or adjust the spinal column. Many chiropractors also use other forms of treatment such as water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy. In addition, straps, tapes, braces, and other support mechanisms may be used. Counseling about nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other matters is provided as necessary. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.