Dr. Jacobs' Interview

Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Wendy Jacobs, a sports chiropractor, who practices in Arlington, VA, introduced me to her profession.My questions to Dr. Jacobs were geared to my developing a better understanding of chiropractors. I asked the following questions:

What is chiropractic medicine?

Dr. Jacobs defined it as a “Non-invasive type of health care that normalizes the body by reducing nerve impingement to maximize performance”.

What are the educational requirements for a chiropractor?

To become a chiropractor you must first earn a bachelors degree to be accepted into a chiropractic school in most states. Chiropractic school involves 3 to 4 years of year-round courses and hundreds of hours of clinical time to earn a degree.

What type of classes do chiropractors take?

The course work is very heavy on neurological anatomy, much more than what is standard for medical doctors.

What are the credential requirements to practice chiropractic medicine?

After you have earn your chiropractic degree, there are four national boards’ exams you must pass, and most states require passing a licensing exam to practice chiropractic medicine.

Are Doctors of chiropractic licensed physicians?

Yes, after successful completion of the educational requirements and many national and state board exams qualifies the chiropractor is a licensed physician in their respective state.

Do chiropractors prescribe drugs?

No, they cannot prescribe prescriptions, or even over-the-counter drugs. However, chiropractors are very knowledgeable with nutritional supplementation, and can prescribe Nutraceuticals and Botanical Medicine.

What type of ailments/injuries do chiropractors treat?

Headaches, sport injuries (that do not involve fractures or tears, dislocations), pain control and many other maladies.

What are typical chiropractic treatments?

Adjustments, cold laser therapy, acupressure, and muscle testing.

What are some different types of chiropractic specializations?

Chiropractors tend to be very specialized in specific areas such as sports, pediatrics, orthopedics, nutrition, all the way down to specific techniques.

What are the similarities between an athletic trainer and a chiropractor?

Since Dr. Jacobs was a practicing athletic trainer before she became a chiropractor, I asked if there are any similarities between being athletic trainer and a chiropractor. She replied that generally there are no similarities between the two professions; but that she personally incorporates her skills and knowledge from her athletic training experience to better aid her patients.