How is chiropractic defined in Alabama?

The term "chiropractic," is defined as the science and art of locating and removing without the use of drugs or surgery any interference with the transmission and expression of nerve energy in the human body by any means or methods as taught in schools or colleges of chiropractic which are recognized by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

What is included in the practice of chiropractic medicine?

Any DC who has been certified and licensed by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may examine, analyze, and diagnose the human body and its diseases by the use of any physical, clinical, thermal, or radonic method, and the use of X-ray diagnosing, and may use any other general method of examination for diagnosis and analysis taught in any school of chiropractic recognized by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

DCs certified and licensed by the Alabama Board of Chiropractic Examiners may practice chiropractic and may also recommend the use of foods and concentrates, food extracts, and may apply first aid and hygiene.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

DCs are expressly prohibited from prescribing or administering to any person any drugs included in materia medica, from performing any surgery, from practicing obstetrics or from giving X-ray treatments or treatments involving the use of radioactive materials of any description.

Services that are regulated or that require a certification

See Alabama Chiropractic Specialty Certifications for:

• Acupuncture
• Physiological Therapeutics
• Dry Needling

Use of Lasers

Lasers approved by the Federal Drug Administration for therapeutic use may be utilized by a chiropractor as a treatment device provided the laser is used only within the allowable scope of practice of chiropractic in this state. The chiropractor is responsible for adhering to any laws applicable to the use of the above referenced lasers and knowing and following the appropriate protocol for their use.

Reference

Ala. Code § 34-24-120

Ala. Admin. Code 190-X-5-.15