Chiropractors use other natural therapies, including heat, cold, water, massage, light, and vitamins. Other forms of physiologic therapies include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, diet and acupuncture. Your doctor may have you be proactive in your healthcare, by having you perform exercises at home. Acupuncture, a method of applying needles to pressure points throughout the body to help fight pain, addictions and illnesses, is often used by chiropractors. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use this method of treatment.
Training requires a minimum of six years of college and a clinic internship before licensure.
Areas of scientific study include anatomy, neurology, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal biomechanics, orthopedics, X-ray, cardiology, nutrition, acupuncture, physiotherapy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and infectious diseases. Every chiropractic graduate must pass a national examination to be tested and licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.