(HealthDay News) -- Chiropractors usually treat musculoskeletal conditions, which include pain in the bones, joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments.
According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, one of the most common conditions treated by chiropractors is chronic lower back pain. Other conditions that may be suited to chiropractic include headaches, neck pain, arthritis, sports-related injuries and muscle strains.
Chiropractors typically treat patients with one or more "adjustments" -- by applying a controlled, sudden burst of force on a joint to increase mobility and decrease pain.
Other forms of chiropractic therapy include use of heat, ice, therapeutic massage and rehabilitative exercise.
Chiropractors are regulated by each state, and most require the practitioners to earn continuing education credits to maintain their licenses. Chiropractors are not licensed in any state to perform major surgery or prescribe drugs.
-- Diana Kohnle
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