Chiropractic Care: Explained

Chiropractic care is a health profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. It is often used most effectively to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

History of Chiropractic Care

The practice of chiropractic care dates back to 1895 when Daniel David Palmer, a self-taught healer in Davenport, Iowa, performed the first chiropractic adjustment. Palmer hypothesized that vertebral joint misalignments, which he termed vertebral subluxations, interfered with the body’s function and its inborn ability to heal itself.

Over the years, chiropractic care has evolved into a highly developed profession with its own licensing and regulatory bodies. It is recognized as a health care profession in the United States and many other countries around the world. Today, chiropractors practice in over 100 countries in all regions of the world, and chiropractic services are covered under national health insurance systems in many countries.

Legal Recognition of Chiropractic Care

In many countries, including the United States, chiropractic has been legally recognized and formal regulation has been developed. Notably, chiropractic is regulated by law in all 50 states of the United States. Each state has a Chiropractic Board, which regulates the profession.

The legal recognition of chiropractic has been achieved through battles in the courts and legislatures of the U.S. states, Canada, and other countries. In some countries, it is a criminal offense for someone to represent themselves as a chiropractor without being registered with the regulatory body.

Chiropractic Techniques

Chiropractic care involves a variety of techniques designed to improve function and alleviate pain. The specific procedures used depend on the patient’s needs and the chiropractor’s techniques. Some of the most common techniques include spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and nutritional counseling.

Spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment, is the most common therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors. The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury.

Legal Aspects of Chiropractic Techniques

The practice of chiropractic involves certain legal aspects. For instance, chiropractors are legally required to obtain informed consent from a patient before performing a chiropractic adjustment. This involves explaining the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any alternatives, so the patient can make an informed decision about their treatment.

In addition, chiropractors must adhere to a standard of care when performing chiropractic procedures. This means they must use the level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.

Chiropractic Education and Licensing

Chiropractors are required to have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree—a postgraduate professional degree that typically takes 4 years to complete. In the United States, the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredits programs and institutions that meet CCE standards.

After earning a D.C. degree, chiropractors must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) test to obtain a license to practice. The NBCE exam is a comprehensive test that includes questions about basic sciences, clinical sciences, and chiropractic technique.

Legal Requirements for Chiropractic Education and Licensing

The legal requirements for chiropractic education and licensing vary by country and state. In the United States, all states require chiropractors to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a CCE-accredited college. Some states also require chiropractors to pass a state examination.

Chiropractors are also required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, patient safety, diagnostic imaging, and technique.

Chiropractic and the Legal System

Chiropractic care intersects with the legal system in various ways. For instance, chiropractors often treat patients who have been injured in accidents and may be called as witnesses in personal injury cases. They may also be involved in malpractice lawsuits if a patient claims they were injured during treatment.

In addition, chiropractors may be subject to regulation and disciplinary action by state chiropractic boards. These boards have the power to revoke a chiropractor’s license if they find that the chiropractor has engaged in unprofessional conduct, such as fraud or negligence.

Legal Liability in Chiropractic Care

Like other healthcare providers, chiropractors are subject to legal liability. If a patient is injured as a result of a chiropractor’s negligence, the patient may sue the chiropractor for malpractice. In these cases, the patient must prove that the chiropractor breached the standard of care, that this breach caused the patient’s injury, and that the patient suffered damages as a result.

Chiropractors can protect themselves from legal liability by obtaining professional liability insurance. This insurance covers legal costs and any damages awarded in a lawsuit. It is a legal requirement for chiropractors in many states.

Chiropractic Care and Insurance

Chiropractic care is covered by many health insurance plans. In the United States, federal law requires insurance companies to include coverage for chiropractic care in their plans. However, the extent of coverage varies by plan and by state. Some plans cover only a limited number of chiropractic visits per year, while others cover a wider range of services.

Insurance coverage for chiropractic care can have implications for legal disputes. For instance, if a patient is injured in an accident and receives chiropractic treatment, the patient’s insurance company may seek reimbursement from the party responsible for the accident. This can lead to legal disputes over who is responsible for the cost of the patient’s treatment.

Legal Issues in Chiropractic Insurance

There are several legal issues related to insurance coverage for chiropractic care. For instance, some insurance companies have been accused of unfairly denying claims for chiropractic treatment. In these cases, patients may sue the insurance company for breach of contract or bad faith.

Another legal issue is fraud. Some chiropractors have been accused of billing insurance companies for services that were not actually provided. This is a serious crime that can result in fines, loss of license, and even imprisonment.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care is a complex field that intersects with the legal system in many ways. From the regulation of chiropractic education and practice, to legal liability and insurance issues, there are many legal aspects to consider when practicing or receiving chiropractic care.

As the field of chiropractic continues to evolve, it is likely that the legal landscape will continue to change as well. Therefore, it is important for chiropractors and patients alike to stay informed about the latest developments in the law as it relates to chiropractic care.

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