HealthcareISCO 2269
Chiropractor
Chiropractors are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders related to the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. They are independent primary health care professionals.
Check yourself in a minute: chiropractor
Rate 5 of the 61 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
assist patients with rehabilitation
manage chiropractic staff
apply clinical chiropractic competencies in sport
develop chiropractic services
maintain chiropractic equipment
About chiropractor
As a chiropractor, you will serve as an independent primary health care professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Your daily work involves performing detailed patient assessments, interpreting medical images such as X-rays and MRI scans, developing personalized treatment plans, and administering manual therapies and adjustments to restore proper spinal and joint function. You will guide patients through rehabilitation exercises, provide education on posture and ergonomics, and monitor their progress over time. As a chiropractor, you address not only acute pain relief but also the underlying biomechanical dysfunctions that contribute to long-term health issues. Your expertise in neuroanatomy, musculoskeletal anatomy, and exercise physiology allows you to treat conditions ranging from neck and back pain to sports injuries and headaches. The profession offers excellent career prospects with growing recognition of chiropractic care within integrated healthcare systems. Many patients seek chiropractic services for preventive care and wellness optimization, creating stable demand and opportunities for practice growth.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a chiropractor.
1
Patient Assessment and Diagnosis
- Conduct comprehensive patient health interviews and physical examinations
- Interpret medical imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) to identify neuromusculoskeletal disorders
- Perform orthopedic and neurological tests to assess patient condition
- Develop accurate diagnoses based on clinical findings and evidence-based practice
2
Manual Therapy and Treatment Administration
- Perform spinal and joint adjustments using appropriate chiropractic techniques
- Administer soft tissue therapy and other manual treatment modalities
- Apply neuromusculoskeletal therapy to treat pain and restore function
- Monitor treatment response and adjust therapy protocols as needed
3
Rehabilitation and Patient Education
- Design personalized exercise programs for rehabilitation and prevention
- Educate patients on proper posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications
- Assist patients with rehabilitation exercises and monitor compliance
- Provide information on chiropractic treatment outcomes and expected recovery timelines
4
Preventive Care and Wellness Services
- Develop preventive care strategies for patients at risk of musculoskeletal disorders
- Advise athletes on injury prevention and sport-specific chiropractic care
- Promote wellness and general health optimization through evidence-based recommendations
5
Clinical Documentation and Record Management
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate patient medical records and treatment documentation
- Use medical informatics systems to manage patient data and clinical information
- Document treatment progress and outcomes for insurance and referral purposes
6
Practice Management and Staff Leadership
- Manage chiropractic practice operations and develop clinical services
- Supervise and mentor chiropractic support staff and administrative personnel
- Build referral networks with other healthcare providers for integrated patient care
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (61)
musculoskeletal anatomymusculoskeletal anatomyThe human musculoskeletal system, comprising of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together. The human musculoskel...chiropractic terminologychiropractic terminologyChiropractic terms and abbreviations, chiropractic prescriptions and various chiropractic specialties and when to use them correctly.neurophysiologyneurophysiologyThe medical specialty which is concerned with the study of the nervous system functionalities.exercise physiologyexercise physiologyThe effect of exercise on pathology and how the exercise can mitigate or reverse disease progression.orthopaedicsorthopaedicsOrthopaedics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.neuropathologyneuropathologyThe manners in which the peripheral and central nervous system responds to tumours, infections or inflammation as well as to immune mediated mechanisms.rehabilitationrehabilitationThe methods and procedures used to help an ill or injured person restore lost skills and regain self-sufficiency and control.medical informaticsmedical informaticsThe processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.assist patients with rehabilitationassist patients with rehabilitationAssist to develop and restore patient`s body systems, their neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, helping them in the rehabilitation process.manage chiropractic staffmanage chiropractic staffRecruit, train and manage chiropractic staff within the unit and care team, ensuring clinically effective service to all patients referred to the unit.apply clinical chiropractic competencies in sportapply clinical chiropractic competencies in sportApply specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies of chiropractic techniques and principles to provide care in all sport and sport injuries with safe, clinically appropriate, and highly profession...develop chiropractic servicesdevelop chiropractic servicesDevelop a safe, effective and efficient quality chiropractic service.maintain chiropractic equipmentmaintain chiropractic equipmentMaintain the chiropractic professional equipment, supplied and professional spaces in the unit/office, making sure that it is kept in good working condition to support chiropractic services and mainta...advise on pregnancyadvise on pregnancyCounsel patients on normal changes occurring in pregnancy, providing advice on nutrition, drug effects and other lifestyle changes.apply supports for spinal adjustmentapply supports for spinal adjustmentApply supports such as braces, straps, tapes, bandages and shoe inserts in order to treat and relieve the patient`s pain.provide medication informationprovide medication informationProvide patients with information about their medication, possible side effects, and contra-indications.manage chiropractic professional equipmentmanage chiropractic professional equipmentMake sure that the chiropractic professional equipment in the unit/office is kept in good working condition and is maintained regularly as required by national legislative regulation.prescribe healthcare productsprescribe healthcare productsPrescribe healthcare products, when indicated, for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to the client`s needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice, national and practice protocols and with...undertake healthcare examinationundertake healthcare examinationAssess the healthcare user's physical state, taking detailed information on previous injuries, surgery, general health, resources and lifestyle into account.develop therapeutic relationshipsdevelop therapeutic relationshipsMaintain the individual therapeutic relationship to engage the individual's innate healing capacities, to achieve active collaboration in the health education and healing process and to maximise the p...undertake clinical chiropractic researchundertake clinical chiropractic researchUndertake research activities such as research papers, critical reviews, case studies, editorials, expert commentaries and book reviews in order to improve the evidence base for chiropractic and assis...apply person-centred careapply person-centred careTreat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.advise on healthcare users' informed consentadvise on healthcare users' informed consentEnsure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.operate medical imaging equipmentoperate medical imaging equipmentProduce high quality medical images using technologically advanced medical imaging equipment such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mobile X-ray machines, ultrasound (US),...comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.conduct neurological examinationconduct neurological examinationObtain a thorough understanding of the neurodevelopmental history of the patient, making a partial neurological assessment by observation in the case of uncooperative patients.post-process medical imagespost-process medical imagesPerform post-processing on medical images, or develop X-ray films, checking processed images to determine if further care is necessary.interact with healthcare usersinteract with healthcare usersCommunicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.prepare patients for surgeryprepare patients for surgeryAssign patients to the best treatment area for their condition, according to priority for surgery.advise on rehabilitation exercisesadvise on rehabilitation exercisesEducate and advise on rehabilitation exercises to aid long-term recovery, teaching the appropriate techniques to ensure health is maintained.write reports on neurological testswrite reports on neurological testsProvide a written report to the referring doctor for every test taken, interpreting results.interpret medical resultsinterpret medical resultsInterpret, integrate and apply results of diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests and other investigations as part of the assessment of the client, in consultation with other healthcare practitioners.assess chiropractic interventionassess chiropractic interventionAssess chiropractic interventions based on re-evaluation of the client`s response to treatment.provide clinical chiropractic neurologyprovide clinical chiropractic neurologyApply advanced knowledge, skills and competences of clinical neurology to chiropractic techniques and principles to provide specialised chiropractic service to patient with safe, clinically appropriat...apply massage therapyapply massage therapyApply massage therapy to relieve patient's pain by using various specialised techniques.perform clinical neurophysiological examinationsperform clinical neurophysiological examinationsPerform clinical neurophysiological examinations, an extension of a neurologic consultation, which can verify or exclude a clinical suspicion, but also give precise definition of site, type and degree...provide chiropractic diagnosisprovide chiropractic diagnosisProvide a working diagnosis/differential diagnosis and an inter-disciplinary or chiropractic treatment/management plan by performing an interview, working with patients to identify physical problems a...perform chiropractic examinationsperform chiropractic examinationsPerform, interpret and report the findings of chiropractic physical examinations, possibly involving an examination of the patient's spine and posture, and where relevant finding the source of discomf...prescribe treatment for musculoskeletal injuriesprescribe treatment for musculoskeletal injuriesPrescribe non-invasive procedures for injuries, immobilising fractured bones with the use of braces, splints, and casts and recommending therapeutic exercises, medication and nutritional supplements.develop chiropractic treatment plansdevelop chiropractic treatment plansDevelop new chiropractic treatment plan and review the existing components such as chiropractic manual therapy, manual therapy of soft tissue and other tissue, therapeutic range of motion, therapeutic...provide neuromusculoskeletal therapyprovide neuromusculoskeletal therapyProvide neuromusculoskeletal therapy and care, which involves adjusting a patient`s spinal column and other joints, principally by hand.formulate a treatment planformulate a treatment planFormulate a treatment plan and evaluation (analysis) based on collected data following assessment using a clinical reasoning process.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...conduct chiropractic examinationconduct chiropractic examinationUndertake chiropractic assessment, collecting data by physical examinations and evaluating anatomic findings through the use of observation, palpation, percussion, auscultation and information derived...monitor patients' progress related to treatmentmonitor patients' progress related to treatmentObserve and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...conduct physical examinationsconduct physical examinationsConduct physical examination of healthcare users, looking for signs of dysfunction and sub-optimal function and analysing the patient`s systems, posture, spine and reflexes.apply specific manual chiropractic techniquesapply specific manual chiropractic techniquesStrive to decrease pain caused by neuro-muscular system dysfunction by using specific muscle tissue and joints adjustment and or general manipulation/mobilization.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...diagnose musculoskeletal conditionsdiagnose musculoskeletal conditionsIdentify the patient`s orthopaedic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, sprains, and strains, tendon injuries, pulled muscles, ruptured disks, sciatica, low back pain, and scolios...neurologyneurologyNeurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.interpret medical imagesinterpret medical imagesAnalyse medical images in order to diagnose illnesses and injuries.provide information on chiropractic treatment outcomesprovide information on chiropractic treatment outcomesProvide information on therapeutic outcomes and any inherent risks to the client, ensuring that the client understands, and acting in accordance with ethical principles and local/national policies whe...adhere to organisational code of ethicsadhere to organisational code of ethicsAdhere to organisational European and regional specific standards and code of ethics, understanding the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and apply this awareness.perform orthopaedic examinationsperform orthopaedic examinationsPerform, interpret and report the findings of orthopaedic physical examination, examining the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, spine, pelvis and hip, knee, foot, and ankle.communicate in healthcarecommunicate in healthcareCommunicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.apply context specific clinical competencesapply context specific clinical competencesApply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within ...observe record keeping standards in chiropracticsobserve record keeping standards in chiropracticsEnsure good standards of record keeping for all activities relating to patients, and to chiropractic patients specifically.neuroanatomyneuroanatomyThe different parts of the nervous system.interpret findings from medical examinationsinterpret findings from medical examinationsInterpret the findings from a patient`s history, clinical examination, radiographic examination, and other diagnostic tests and procedures.
Optional (47) — show
radiation physics in healthcareradiation physics in healthcareThe radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations...somatic integrated modalitiessomatic integrated modalitiesThe indications, contraindications and modifications of physiotherapeutic modalities and other manual and therapeutic modalities based on various conditions and situations.orthopaedic treatment alternativesorthopaedic treatment alternativesThe appropriate available non-operative and operative treatment alternatives for common orthopaedic conditions and injuries, the benefits and limitations of each type of treatment as well as any poten...geriatricsgeriatricsGeriatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.kineticskineticsThe study of movement and its causes.rehabilitation of all organ systemsrehabilitation of all organ systemsThe principles of physical medicine and rehabilitation of all organ systems as related to physiotherapy.neuropharmacologyneuropharmacologyThe central nervous system neurotransmitters and drugs which modulate them and the mode of action of drugs affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.biomechanicsbiomechanicsThe use of mechanical means to understand the function and structure of biological organisms.therapeutic massagetherapeutic massageMassage techniques used to relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms associated with a number of different medical conditions.orthopaedic conditionsorthopaedic conditionsThe physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, and natural history of common orthopaedic conditions and injuries.psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.kinesiologykinesiologyThe study of human movement, performance and function, the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and neuroscience.endocrinologyendocrinologyEndocrinology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.contribute to quality physiotherapy servicescontribute to quality physiotherapy servicesParticipate in activities that promote quality, particularly in the acquisition and evaluation of equipment, resources, safe storage and supply management.educate on the prevention of illnesseducate on the prevention of illnessOffer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and healt...employ cognitive behaviour treatment techniquesemploy cognitive behaviour treatment techniquesEmploy cognitive behavioural treatment techniques for those whose treatment involves cognitive re-training, addressing dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours and cognitive processes and conten...manage clinical riskmanage clinical riskImprove the quality and safe delivery of healthcare, placing special emphasis on identifying those circumstances that place clients, their families and carers, staff, students and others at risk of ha...use e-health and mobile health technologiesuse e-health and mobile health technologiesUse mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.analyse X-ray imageryanalyse X-ray imageryAnalyse X-ray imagery in order to locate the sources of patients` difficulties and interpret the findings.record healthcare users' progress related to treatmentrecord healthcare users' progress related to treatmentRecord the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.advocate healthadvocate healthAdvocate for health promotion, well-being and disease or injury prevention on behalf of clients and the profession to enhance community, public and population health.supervise chiropractic studentssupervise chiropractic studentsSupervise chiropractic students in the workplace and share own expertise with them; train them so that they can perform well in the workplace.educate on preventing injurieseducate on preventing injuriesEducate and advise patients and their caregivers about how to prevent injuries and conditions and improve existing conditions.manage healthcare users' datamanage healthcare users' dataKeep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, wr...use functional neuroimaginguse functional neuroimagingUse neuroimaging technologies and methods to study the brain functions.apply acupunctureapply acupunctureUse procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles manipulated by the hands or by electrical...provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.contribute to the rehabilitation processcontribute to the rehabilitation processContribute to the rehabilitation process to enhance activity, functioning and participation using a person-centered and evidence-based approach.prescribe treatments related to surgical proceduresprescribe treatments related to surgical proceduresPrescribe treatment before and after the surgery, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, and preparation and treatment of the patient`s operative area.provide learning support in healthcareprovide learning support in healthcareProvide the necessary support to facilitate learning for clients, carers, students, peers, support workers and other healthcare practitioners by assessing the learner`s development needs and preferenc...advise on healthy lifestylesadvise on healthy lifestylesPromote healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and self-care by strengthening empowerment, promoting health and enhancing behaviours and therapeutic compliance, providing patients with the adequate i...follow-up after patients' surgeryfollow-up after patients' surgeryFollow-up after patients` surgery evaluating the needs for a faster recovery.collect healthcare user's general datacollect healthcare user's general dataCollect qualitative and quantitative data related to the healthcare user's anagraphic data and provide support on filling out the present and past history questionnaire and record the measures/tests p...manage the neuropsychiatric sequelae of strokemanage the neuropsychiatric sequelae of strokeLocalise brain lesions approximately, formulating a basic differential diagnosis as to stroke aetiology and estimating the severity of the deficit and the urgency of further assessment.interpret evoked potentials recordsinterpret evoked potentials recordsRecord responses from both the peripheral and central nervous system in response to exogenous stimulation, analysing and interpreting the evoked potentials.interpret electroencephalogramsinterpret electroencephalogramsAnalyse and interpret electroencephalography to provide evidence for the diagnosis and classification of epilepsy, helping investigation and management.conduct health related researchconduct health related researchConduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.treat neurological disorderstreat neurological disordersDiagnose and treat patients with neurological diseases such as brain damage, spinal cord disorders, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, Alzheimer`s disease, headache, epilepsy, Parkinson`s disease, sleep d...develop plans related to the transfer of caredevelop plans related to the transfer of careOrganise transfer of care, when applicable, across a range of healthcare settings, communicating effectively and ensuring that the patient/client and carers are involved in the decision making process...provide treatment strategies for challenges to human healthprovide treatment strategies for challenges to human healthIdentify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.maintain treatment recordsmaintain treatment recordsKeep accurate records and file reports related to the prescribed treatment or medication.develop plans related to client dischargedevelop plans related to client dischargeOrganise discharge planning, when applicable, across a range of healthcare settings, communicating effectively and ensuring that the client and carers are involved in the decision making process.use techniques to increase patients' motivationuse techniques to increase patients' motivationEncourage the patient`s motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.manage acute painmanage acute painHandle patients with acute pain and ease their pain accordingly.chiropodychiropodyMedical practice dealing with disorders of the feet.obtain healthcare user's medical status informationobtain healthcare user's medical status informationGather healthcare user information through various sources such as questioning the healthcare user, caregiver, or healthcare professional to obtain information on the patient`s health and social statu...promote health in specialised carepromote health in specialised careIdentify health promotion and education needs for patients within the field of specialisation and develop and implement strategies as appropriate.
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Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders related to the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. They are independent primary health care professionals.
What skills does a chiropractor need?
A chiropractor needs 61 essential skills, including musculoskeletal anatomy, chiropractic terminology, neurophysiology, exercise physiology, orthopaedics.
Will AI replace chiropractor jobs?
The AI disruption score for chiropractor is 13/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manage healthcare users' data, collect healthcare user's general data, maintain treatment records. Most resilient: empathise with the healthcare user, develop therapeutic relationships, apply person-centred care.
AI Replacement Risk
13/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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