Only a licensed chiropractor — a doctor of chiropractic, or DC — should perform chiropractic adjustments. In all 50 states and the district of Columbia, chiropractors must be an accredited DC and pass special state exams, exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, or both, to practice.

In order to become a DC, you have to complete on average three years of undergraduate instruction to be admitted to a program and then four years of training to graduate as a DC.

Institutions that award the DC degree are accredited by the federally recognized Council on Chiropractic Education.

You can find a DC by getting a referral from someone you trust, using your insurance policy’s search function, or using the American Chiropractic Association’s Find a Doctor search tool.

Chiropractic care is included in most insurance plans, including major medical plans; workers’ compensation; Medicare (Part B covers visits that are medically necessary); some Medicaid plans; and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Chiropractic therapy is also offered at many Veterans' Affairs facilities.

Costs vary widely depending on your health insurance plan, location, provider, and treatment plan.

If your chiropractor does not accept insurance (or your insurance), you may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance plan. You also may be able to use money from your health savings account for chiropractic care, to make it affordable even if you have a high deductible.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com