Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients with health problems related to the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, with a special emphasis on the spine. The goal of treatment is to improve bodily function, increase immunity to disease, and relieve pain. Chiropractors are holistic healers - they treat the body as a whole system, counseling on health, nutrition, and exercise. They provide drugless, non-surgical treatment.

Chiropractors are extensively trained and must pass tough national and state exams to gain and retain licensing. Chiropractors licensed in one state cannot automatically practice in another unless the states have an agreement on license equivalency.

Many chiropractors provide general care, but some specialize in fields such as:

• Sports injuries
• Pediatric care
• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Nutrition
• Internal medicine
• Diagnostic imaging/X-rays

Most chiropractors start their own independent practice. Other places to work include:

• Group practice
• Hospitals and clinics
• Teaching
• Research
• Chiropractic assistant

Chiropractors are on their feet a lot, and many work more than 40 hours per week. Solo practitioners also have to know how to efficiently run a business. Solo workers typically make more than salaried chiropractors working at a practice, hospital, or research facility. The median for salaried workers was $65,330 in 2002. Self-employed chiropractors earned an average of $81,500 after expenses. Earnings are typically low in the beginning, and then grow as the practice establishes itself. Chiropractors looking to start their own practice should open in an area with a low concentration of other practitioners.

The field is expected to grow, as more patients seek out natural therapies. More insurance companies are recognizing chiropractic care and this also increases demand, since more people can afford to go. The aging population, too, will fuel demand.