Chiropractor

Working Schedule

Chiropractors often find themselves balancing full workdays, though their hours can shift to accommodate patients—sometimes stretching into evenings or weekends. For those running their own practices, the freedom to set their schedules comes hand-in-hand with the challenge of juggling the demands of managing a business.

Typical Duties

• Assess patients’ symptoms through physical exams, X-rays, and posture analysis
• Perform spinal adjustments and joint manipulations
• Educate patients about posture, ergonomics, nutrition, and stress management
• Develop personalized treatment plans
• Document progress and maintain accurate health records

Additional Responsibilities

• Communicate with other healthcare providers like physical therapists, massage therapists, or primary care physicians
• Manage office staff, billing systems, and patient scheduling (for private practices)
• Stay updated on chiropractic research, treatment methods, and licensing regulations
• Offer therapeutic exercises, lifestyle coaching, and injury prevention strategies

The day often begins by reviewing patient files and prepping treatment rooms. Each patient visit is a mix of assessment, hands-on adjustment, and conversation—every body is different, so chiropractors must listen closely and adapt their approach.

Some visits are quick follow-ups; others are first-time consultations that require careful diagnostics. In between appointments, chiropractors may respond to emails, process insurance paperwork, or review new research. If they run their own practice, they might also order supplies or train staff.

“Sometimes … that’s as simple as deciding I’m just going to be extra pleasant to people, even if at first I’m not actually feeling that. That works for me nearly 100% of the time.”  - Dr. Martin “Dr. Marty” Caron, Northwestern Health Sciences University’s blog

Soft Skills:

• Empathy and active listening
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Manual dexterity
• Trust-building
• Cultural awareness
• Time management

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics
• Diagnostic imaging interpretation (X-rays, MRIs)
• Spinal manipulation and adjustment techniques
• Recordkeeping and charting
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) software
• Patient assessment tools
• Insurance coding and billing
• Health education and counseling
• Musculoskeletal palpation
• Injury rehabilitation planning

• Family Practice Chiropractors – Treat a wide variety of patients, from infants to seniors
• Sports Chiropractors – Focus on athletic performance and injury recovery
• Pediatric Chiropractors – Specialize in developmental support and gentle adjustments for children
• Wellness Chiropractors – Emphasize preventive care, lifestyle habits, and overall well-being
• Rehabilitation Chiropractors – Work closely with physical therapists to support recovery from injury or surgery

• Private chiropractic clinics
• Group medical practices
• Integrative wellness centers
• Sports medicine facilities
• Rehabilitation hospitals
• Veteran health clinics
• Chiropractic colleges and research institutions

Being a chiropractor can be physically demanding—you’re on your feet, using your hands and strength all day. Starting a private practice requires business knowledge, long hours, and risk. Insurance paperwork and regulatory compliance can be a heavy lift.

Still, many chiropractors say the rewards outweigh the challenges. You help people recover naturally, and often form strong, long-term bonds with your patients. Success is measured in quality of life—not just for your patients, but for yourself too.

The field is shifting toward holistic wellness and evidence-based care. Chiropractors are working more closely with other healthcare providers as part of integrated care teams. There's growing demand for non-pharmaceutical pain management, especially in light of the opioid crisis.

Digital tools like telehealth, wearable posture trackers, and patient outcome tracking apps are becoming part of everyday practice. Patients are also increasingly interested in chiropractors who understand nutrition, stress management, and functional movement, not just adjustments!

Many chiropractors start out deeply fascinated by the human body—how it moves, heals, and adapts to stress. Some were student-athletes who experienced the power of chiropractic firsthand through injury recovery. Others began as massage therapists, personal trainers, or simply students who couldn’t get enough of anatomy class. They’re often the kind of people who love using their hands, who find joy in figuring out how things work especially when those “things” are muscles, joints, and nervous systems.

For many, the path to chiropractic care begins with a natural instinct to help others feel better whether through touch, encouragement, or just listening with care. They’re drawn to the challenge of problem-solving and the art of restoring movement, easing pain, and helping the body heal over time!