Chiropractors in 19 US cities

What chiropractors commonly treat

NCCIH says chiropractors often treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system. It says their manual methods range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations, usually delivered by hand as a quick and gentle thrust. It says the purpose of the manipulations is to improve joint motion and function, and that they are most commonly done on the spine. Cleveland Clinic lists lower back pain, neck pain, muscle pain and headaches among the most common reasons for a chiropractic adjustment. It says you may feel tired or sore afterwards and some people might get mild headaches, and that these side effects are temporary. In rare cases, it says, chiropractic care may cause serious complications such as herniated disks, cauda equina syndrome (pinched nerves in the lower spine) or stroke.

How to choose a chiropractor

• Training and licensing. NCCIH says that to practice in the US, chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and have a state license. Cleveland Clinic says you have a higher risk of side effects or complications if you have adjustments from people who aren't trained and licensed, and that only a licensed, professional chiropractor should treat you.
• Scope and insurance cover vary. NCCIH says the services chiropractors are allowed to provide vary from state to state, and that health insurance plans may cover chiropractic, but coverage may be partial rather than complete.
• Screening before an adjustment. Cleveland Clinic says you should receive a screening before an adjustment to make sure you're a good candidate for chiropractic care, and that if it is not appropriate for your condition, your chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare provider.
• Your primary care doctor's role. Cleveland Clinic says it's important to tell your primary care physician about any pain, whether recent or chronic (lasting more than three months), and that your primary care doctor can rule out potentially serious problems that need treatment beyond a chiropractic adjustment. It says that if you're unsure whether chiropractic care is right for you, to talk with your primary care provider about your symptoms and concerns, and to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you feel unusual symptoms after an adjustment, such as weakness, numbness or worsening pain.
• Every listing here carries the provider's federal NPI number.
• Listings here come from the federal NPI registry, and the address and phone number may not be current.