What Does a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?
Delves into how chiropractors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues through hands-on care.
A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system—particularly issues involving the spine, joints, and nervous system. Though they’re best known for spinal adjustments, the scope of chiropractic care reaches far beyond back pain relief. It’s a holistic, drug-free approach to healthcare that helps improve overall well-being by enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply aiming for better mobility and posture, understanding the role of a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) can help you take control of your health. This blog will cover everything you need to know about what chiropractors do, how they treat patients, and what makes them a vital part of modern wellness care.
A chiropractor, formally known as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), is trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those affecting spinal alignment and nerve function. Chiropractors focus on correcting these disorders through manual adjustments and other non-invasive techniques, with the goal of restoring proper function and eliminating pain at its source.
Unlike traditional medical doctors, chiropractors do not prescribe medications or perform surgery. Instead, they emphasize manual therapy, exercise, lifestyle education, and nutrition as core components of their treatment plans.
Becoming a chiropractor involves extensive education and hands-on training. The journey typically includes:
Many chiropractors also pursue additional certifications in specialties like sports medicine, pediatrics, functional medicine, or rehabilitation therapy.
At the heart of chiropractic care is the belief that the body is self-healing and self-regulating. Chiropractors believe that many health problems originate from disturbances in the nervous system caused by misalignments in the spine—commonly referred to as subluxations.
When spinal vertebrae are misaligned, they can interfere with nerve communication between the brain and body. This can result in pain, dysfunction, and poor overall health. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors help restore the body’s natural ability to heal, without the need for drugs or invasive procedures.
Your first visit to a chiropractor will usually involve a thorough examination and an in-depth discussion of your health history and symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
The chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, previous injuries, medical history, lifestyle habits, diet, and stress levels. This helps them understand the root cause of your discomfort rather than just treating symptoms.
This may include:
Some chiropractors also utilize diagnostic imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) to gain more insight into spinal alignment and joint health.
Based on the assessment, the chiropractor will identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan. This plan often includes spinal adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
While spinal adjustments are the most well-known aspect of chiropractic care, chiropractors use a variety of techniques and tools to treat their patients. These include:
This hands-on technique involves applying controlled force to a spinal joint to restore alignment, improve mobility, and relieve pressure on nerves.
Using tools like the Activator Method, chiropractors deliver low-force, targeted adjustments—especially helpful for patients who prefer gentler treatments.
Specialized chiropractic tables allow for precise and comfortable adjustments with added support and stability.
These techniques help release tension and scar tissue in muscles and fascia, improving mobility and reducing pain.
Your chiropractor may recommend specific stretches or exercises to support spinal alignment, improve posture, and prevent future injuries.
Chiropractors provide guidance on how to optimize your posture, desk setup, sleep habits, and movement patterns to reduce physical strain and stress.
Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic care isn’t just for back pain. Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
Many patients also seek chiropractic care as a preventive measure or for general wellness maintenance.
The benefits of chiropractic care are wide-ranging, including:
Even if you’re not experiencing pain, chiropractic care can be an effective part of a preventive health strategy. Regular adjustments help maintain spinal alignment, promote better nerve function, and catch small issues before they become major problems.
Chiropractors often work with patients on wellness goals such as:
Yes, chiropractors are considered doctors—but not in the same way as medical doctors (MDs). Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and are licensed healthcare professionals who must complete extensive education, training, and licensing exams to practice.
While they don’t perform surgeries or prescribe medications, chiropractors are trained in physical assessment, radiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Many chiropractors work in integrative health clinics alongside medical doctors, physical therapists, and nutritionists.
When choosing a chiropractor, look for someone who:
A trustworthy chiropractor will focus on patient education, clear communication, and transparency in care and billing.
For residents in the San Jose area, Adapt Health Clinic offers comprehensive chiropractic care with a focus on personalized healing and wellness. Whether you’ve been dealing with chronic discomfort, recovering from an injury, or just want to move and feel better, the team at Adapt Health Clinic can guide you toward real, lasting relief. Their patient-first approach, evidence-based methods, and deep understanding of spinal health make them one of the top chiropractic choices in the region.
A chiropractor is much more than a spine specialist—they’re a vital partner in your health journey. With their hands-on skills and deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors provide safe, effective, and natural care to help you move better, feel better, and live better.
Whether you’re struggling with pain or simply want to maintain a healthier body, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic path toward healing and vitality.
Up Next: Are chiropractic adjustments good for you?
Learn the truth about spinal adjustments, how they work, and whether they’re right for you in our next blog post.
STEP 1: Your Personalized Consultation
Step 2: Your Custom Recovery Plan
STEP 3: Long-Term Relief & Prevention
Why Adapt Health Clinic?
Trusted by 200+ Patients with 5-Star Reviews
The highest-rated chiropractor in Campbell and San Jose.
True Personalized Care & Advanced Therapies
Every treatment plan is tailored to you. From laser therapy to rehab, we use the latest techniques.
Results-Driven, Not Just Routine Visits
Unlike other clinics that push frequent adjustments, we focus on rehab, recovery, and prevention.
Nicole Takeuchi2025-06-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Dr. Grossman about 1 month ago for vertigo, tinnitus and tmj. After one visit I noticed a significant improvement and there was little to no signs of vertigo or tinnitus. He clearly explains to you each process and gives you the tools, such as specific stretches that are tailored to your needs for improvement. They also offer tools such as shock wave therapy red light therapy at such affordable rates. I definitely would recommend Dr. Grossman at Adapt Health Clinic. Not only is he friendly and affordable, but his office is beautiful, clean and is a one stop shop for all your needs. Kathy Nguyen2025-06-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Dr. Michael Grossman for years and I can’t recommend him enough. The first time I went in, he worked on my shoulder injury and I felt so much better after a few treatments. Just recently, I started having constant neck pain, and with just one visit his adjustment released all the tension in my traps. Dr. Grossman is an awesome chiropractor— super friendly, very informative, and always takes the time to educate me about what’s going on with my body. I always leave feeling so much better and more at ease. His staff is super friendly and very personable! Highly recommend! julia lee2025-05-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Mike is great & the care I received. The shock wave therapy has helped my knee so much. Melanie W2025-05-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received shockwave therapy here for my ankles. Dr. Mike Grossman has the tools and knowledge to really help. Highly recommend Tiffany Daly2025-05-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best chiropractor in town! Zones in on particular issues and the suggested mobility exercises have made a huge improvement in my daily life! Alicia Bang2025-04-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I don’t usually post reviews, but Dr. Mike at Adapt Health Clinic has been amazing. He was very respectful of my fear of chiropractors and was able to guide me through some limited adjustments to help free up my mobility. As I am an avid workout enthusiast, he also gave me various options for daily stretches (before and after the gym) to continue to keep and improve my mobility and strength training. Thanks again, Dr. Mike! — I’m back again for yet another issue, and at their new and improved location. Dr. Mike was very responsive and was even able to see me within a couple of days! Wow! Walked away with new exercises to help with my tennis elbow issue, and a plan for how to continue to work out while healing. alexandra galvez2025-04-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Dr. Mike highly enough! The adjustments have made a huge difference in my pain levels, mobility, and overall well-being.Dr. Mike is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping patients heal and thrive. If you’re looking for a skilled chiropractor who genuinely cares about your health, look no further, Dr. Mike is the best! Andrea Gut2025-04-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eli did an amazing job. I booked a 90 minute massage. She focused on the areas that needed the most attention and explained everything she did. She also gave me tips and showed me exercises to strengthen and stretch the tense areas. I can highly recommend her! Jerry Leone2025-04-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve are having a good experience at the Adapt Clinic. Eli is the person we are working with. She is very patient & never makes you feel rushed. Explains about what certain muscles do what & details every exercise we are going to do. Doesn’t push us to do more. It’s a very safe environment for us. Happy we have been doing this once a week. Makes us feel more mobile & able to do more during the week.
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