Many Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are not only trained in standard chiropractic adjustment techniques, but also specialize in other areas as well. Like medical doctors, DCs increasingly choose to specialize in order to better treat their patients. According to Robert E. Dubro, DC, DACBOH, DABCO, president of the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties, “After graduating from chiropractic college, you have the basic skill set to treat patients presenting with average, everyday complaints and injuries. In general, you do not yet have the expertise to treat highly chronic illnesses and injuries or specific, complex occupational, sports or traumatic injuries. Specialty training is an important path to that kind of expertise.” Following is an overview of the different chiropractic diplomate specializations accredited by the American Chiropractic Association.
Chiropractic Diagnostic Imaging (DACBR) Specialist – Has additional training in interpreting diagnostic imaging results such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds.
Chiropractic Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (DACRB) Specialist – Has had extensive postgraduate training in physiologic therapeutics and rehabilitation to better treat injuries that may have resulted from an accident or a sports injury.
Chiropractic Acupuncture (DABCA) Specialist – Treats a wide variety of health conditions that include all body systems and tissues and focuses special attention on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and the meridian system.
Chiropractic Nutrition (DACBN/CBCN) Specialist – Is trained to encourage and promote a more
advanced knowledge and use of nutrition in the practice of chiropractic for the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease.
Chiropractic Diagnosis and Management of Internal Disorders (DABCI) Specialist – Is trained as a holistic primary care physician specializing in modern medical diagnosis, functional medicine, and natural therapeutics.
Chiropractic Orthopedist (DACO/DABCO) Specialist – Has special knowledge of both the normal function and diseases of the bones, joints, capsules, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, their complete neurological components, referred organ systems and contiguous tissues, and is able to diagnose and treat the conditions related to them.
Chiropractic Clinical Neurologist (DACAN/DACNB) Specialist – Is a DC specially trained in the clinical evaluation and treatment of conditions involving the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP/DACBSP) Specialist – Is trained in chiropractic sports medicine and exercise science in order to treat sports injuries, enhance athletic performance and promote physical fitness.
Chiropractic Pediatrician (DICCP) Specialist – As children can benefit from chiropractic, but their musculoskeletal system has different needs than that of an adult, a DICCP has received special training in pediatrics to meet the chiropractic healthcare needs of children.
Chiropractic Occupational Health (DACBOH) Specialist – A DC trained in health care diagnosis and treatment choices for workplace neuromusculoskeletal injuries who is able to provide a broad range of work-related injury and illness prevention services for employee populations.