When it comes to treating back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal conditions, patients are often unsure where to turn. While most people recognize the role of chiropractors in restoring spinal health, few are aware that some chiropractors pursue additional advanced training and board certification in orthopedics. These professionals are known as board-certified chiropractic orthopedists, and their expertise provides a unique, highly specialized approach to conservative musculoskeletal care. At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, our providers are not only licensed chiropractors — they are also board-certified in chiropractic orthopedics, allowing them to diagnose, manage, and treat complex spinal and joint conditions with the precision and clinical insight of orthopedic specialists.

Defining the Specialty of Chiropractic Orthopedics

A board-certified chiropractic orthopedist is a doctor of chiropractic who has completed extensive post-doctoral education and clinical training in non-surgical orthopedics. This specialization focuses on the conservative management of injuries and conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles, and connective tissues — emphasizing functional restoration over invasive procedures. According to the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists (ACCO), these physicians undergo rigorous postgraduate education, followed by successful completion of national board examinations that confer Diplomate status as a Chiropractic Orthopedist. They also participate in ongoing credential maintenance through the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (IANM), ensuring their clinical knowledge remains current with modern orthopedic standards.

What Sets a Chiropractic Orthopedist Apart

While all chiropractors receive training in spinal health, board-certified chiropractic orthopedists possess advanced expertise in diagnosing and managing complex neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This includes conditions involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and extremity joints. Chiropractic orthopedics is a specialty, and as such, sets these providers apart from other chiropractors that have not completed additional training in areas of specialty.

Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Skills

Their advanced skill set allows them to perform detailed orthopedic and neurological evaluations, interpret diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRIs, identify structural and functional imbalances within the spine and joints, develop evidence-based, individualized treatment plans, and coordinate conservative care with other healthcare providers when needed. This makes the chiropractic orthopedist a primary spine physician — a non-surgical specialist capable of addressing the full range of musculoskeletal problems from diagnosis through rehabilitation.

Conditions Treated by Chiropractic Orthopedists

Board-certified chiropractic orthopedists are uniquely qualified to manage a wide range of spinal and extremity conditions.

Spinal Disorders

• Low back pain and disc injuries,
• sciatica or nerve compression,
• facet joint dysfunction,
• chronic strain,
• neck pain and whiplash injuries,
• degenerative spinal conditions,
• spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis

Joint and Extremity Conditions

• shoulder,
• hip,
• knee pain,
• musculoskeletal trauma and overuse injuries.

Through advanced manual techniques, rehabilitative exercises, and soft-tissue therapies, chiropractic orthopedists emphasize functional improvement, long-term stability, and prevention of recurrence.

The Non-Surgical Advantage of Chiropractic Orthopedics

One of the most significant distinctions of chiropractic orthopedics is its non-surgical, drug-free approach. Rather than relying on medication to mask pain, these specialists target the underlying mechanical and neurological dysfunctions causing it. At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, our treatment philosophy follows this conservative model. We combine diagnostic precision with hands-on spinal manipulation, physiologic therapies, and rehabilitative exercise programs to promote natural healing. This approach not only provides relief but also helps patients avoid unnecessary procedures or medication dependence.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist in Fredericksburg, VA

Choosing a provider with board certification demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence, continuing education, and patient safety. It also means you’re receiving care from a physician who can integrate chiropractic techniques with orthopedic assessment — providing a higher level of diagnostic clarity and treatment effectiveness. At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, our board-certified chiropractic orthopedists serve patients throughout Fredericksburg and the surrounding Virginia communities, helping individuals recover mobility, strength, and confidence through advanced conservative care.

The Stine Chiropractic Clinic Difference

Our clinic’s distinction lies in the integration of orthopedic-level diagnostic expertise with the principles of chiropractic care. Each evaluation begins with a thorough medical history, functional assessment, and orthopedic examination. From there, we design individualized care plans that may include spinal manipulation and joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises and stretching programs, postural and ergonomic correction, modalities for pain control (including electrical stimulation and ultrasound), and patient education for long-term self-management. This comprehensive, conservative approach reflects our core mission: to provide effective back pain relief and spinal care — without drugs or surgery.

When to Seek Out Care in Chiropractic Orthopedics

If you experience persistent back or neck pain, limited mobility, or recurrent joint issues, early evaluation by a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist can help prevent chronic complications. Prompt diagnosis and targeted conservative treatment are key to avoiding long-term pain cycles and maintaining spinal health. Our Fredericksburg office welcomes both acute injury cases and complex, chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Don’t wait for pain to limit your activity or quality of life. Contact Stine Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation with a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist. You can use our online scheduler to check availability and schedule yourself here!

Stine Chiropractic Clinic
Fredericksburg, VA
(540) 898-4100
stinechiro.com
Board-Certified in Chiropractic Orthopedics

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does it mean to be board-certified in chiropractic orthopedics?

• A: It means the chiropractor has completed advanced postdoctoral training in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, emphasizing non-surgical care. They also maintain continued education in the field, and have passed a written and practical board examination.

Q: How is a chiropractic orthopedist different from a general chiropractor?

• A: A chiropractic orthopedist has additional postgraduate education in orthopedics and musculoskeletal diagnosis, allowing for more complex evaluations and advanced conservative treatments.

Q: Can a chiropractic orthopedist treat herniated discs and sciatica?

• A: Yes. Board-certified chiropractic orthopedists specialize in non-surgical management of disc injuries, nerve compression, and sciatica through evidence-based conservative care.

Q: Is chiropractic orthopedic care safe?

• A: Yes. All treatments are non-invasive, drug-free, and focused on restoring function through safe, evidence-based techniques that promote natural healing.

Q: When should I see a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist?

• A: If you have chronic back or neck pain, joint problems, postural issues, or pain that has not improved with standard care, a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist can provide a precise diagnosis and effective treatment plan.