NPs working with chiropractors

[mystcnurse]

I am wondering if there are any NPs who are working with chiropractors - and what your experiences have been like. Do you feel that you are respected? Do you get the training that you need? What about continuing education? Benefits and salary? Any information would be helpful!

[caliotter3]

My vet told me that my pooch might be helped by seeing a doggie chiro. If I can find such a provider, and their work helps my pooch, I will be happy.

[Psychcns]

I had some back issues a long time ago and I saw chiropractors on and off. I eventually learned to strengthen my back with exercises and yoga so I didn't need chiropractic care. The churopractors I saw were well trained and all were helpful.

[urbanrn328]

You really are arrogant. There is plenty of EB research to support the efficacy of manipulative therapy. additionally chiropractic is a fully recognized body of study. Have you ever reviewed the educational requirements to enter the field? A chiropractor needs to hold a undergraduate degree, fulfill pre Med admission requirements (do you?), attend a 4 year chiropractic program, sit for national boards while in school, perform a one year internship, and then take their state board exams which used to be written, and oral and included radiological diagnosis. I suggest you take a step back before you slander another profession. And let me say, that the next NP you talk to may also very well be a chiropractor too. You may even like them and come to realize they have much to bring to the table. Ironically? Blue Devil, your alma mata, I can assure you has encouraged this chiro-NP author to attend your school for its post masters certificate in orthopedics. So, play nice in the playground eh!

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

You really are arrogant. There is plenty of EB research to support the efficacy of manipulative therapy. additionally chiropractic is a fully recognized body of study. Have you ever reviewed the educational requirements to enter the field? A chiropractor needs to hold a undergraduate degree, fulfill pre Med admission requirements (do you?), attend a 4 year chiropractic program, sit for national boards while in school, perform a one year internship, and then take their state board exams which used to be written, and oral and included radiological diagnosis. I suggest you take a step back before you slander another profession. And let me say, that the next NP you talk to may also very well be a chiropractor too. You may even like them and come to realize they have much to bring to the table. Ironically? Blue Devil, your alma mata, I can assure you has encouraged this chiro-NP author to attend your school for its post masters certificate in orthopedics. So, play nice in the playground eh!

I take issue with any profession that bills itself as a legit health care provider, but is built upon prescientific ideas. Clearly manipulative therapy has valid uses. I am sure the coursework is demanding; there's a lot of bones and muscles and tendons and ligaments to learn, and I don't know how you guys keep it all straight.

That does not negate the point that the chiropractic theory of subluxation is demonstrably false. The notion that chiropractors are qualified to be primary care providers is silly. Physical manipulation is a great therapy for certain muscoloskeletal problems, but it is not a panacea and chiropractic subluxations are not the root of ill health.

The education argument is used by naturopaths as well, to prove they are as qualified as MDs. A 4 year graduate degree in pseudoscience just means you are very well trained in how to provide unscientific and ineffective health care. It's unfortunate, because as I said above, the A&P and patho of the musculoskeletal system is hella complicated, and chiropractors could do awesome work with patients within the science based medical community. Remember when osteopaths dropped the bull and aligned their profession with science?

[Jessinurse]

Excellent review. From my personal experience my pcp is only useful for giving me drugs and ignoring my symptoms while my chiropractor is amazing at finding my problem and fixing it. I would highly suggest that if you don't think your chiropractor is helping, find another one. Just like MDs, they all have different outlooks on what treatment is needed.

I think in a chiro office, an NP would mainly be doing pain management meds (muscle relaxants, nsaids), I suppose some chiros may get more creative and do a type of pcp clinic, but that may require an MD/DO collaboration or autonomous practice state... not sure.

[Dr Doreen King]

Hello. I am a Chiropractic Physician. Reading through your posts frankly is humiliating. Perhaps there are such "quacks " and "Scientologists" out there. Perhaps some chiropractors earned your lack of respect for them. I've treated nurses most of my career . They are hard working, compassionate and self sacrificial. So are most chiropractors I know.  I for one have worked principally in physiotherapy and myofascial therapy alongside manipulative medicine my entire career . As for integration, it is only seen by me as providing collaboratively what is best for the patient. We live in a world of insurance codes, regrettably. Collaboration can work to navigate codes so that the patient is the true winner. Isn't that what we all want?