The Definitive Guide: What Medications Can a Chiropractor Prescribe?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

In the United States, over 35 million people visit a chiropractor each year [1.2.4]. A frequent question that arises is, 'What medications can a chiropractor prescribe?' For the vast majority, the answer is none, but a few key exceptions exist [1.2.5].

Quick Summary

Generally, chiropractors cannot prescribe medication, as their practice focuses on drug-free treatment [1.2.2]. However, states like New Mexico permit certified 'Advanced Practice' chiropractors to prescribe from a limited list of drugs [1.2.4, 1.2.5].

Key Points

Standard Practice: The vast majority of chiropractors in the U.S. have no authority to prescribe medication, as their focus is on drug-free, non-invasive care [1.2.2, 1.2.6].
State-Regulated Scope: A chiropractor's ability to practice, including any prescription rights, is determined by individual state licensing boards, leading to significant variation [1.3.2].
The 'Advanced Practice' Exception: New Mexico is the primary state where certified 'Advanced Practice Chiropractors' can prescribe from a limited, approved list of medications [1.2.1, 1.2.5].
Limited Formulary: Even where allowed, prescriptions are restricted to a specific formulary that typically includes analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants—not controlled substances like opioids [1.5.4, 1.3.2].
Core Focus Remains Non-Invasive: Chiropractic care's primary focus remains non-invasive treatments like spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and lifestyle counseling to address musculoskeletal issues [1.6.1, 1.7.4].
Collaboration is Key: In cases where medication is needed, chiropractors typically refer patients to and collaborate with medical doctors to provide integrated care [1.2.7, 1.6.2].
Patient Verification: Patients should always confirm the credentials and scope of practice of their provider within their specific state to understand the available treatments [1.2.3].

The General Rule: A Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Philosophy

Chiropractic care is fundamentally a non-pharmacological and non-surgical discipline [1.2.2]. The core philosophy centers on the body's innate ability to heal itself. Practitioners, known as Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.), focus on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, with a special emphasis on manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. Their education emphasizes anatomy, biomechanics, and wellness, but not pharmacology in the way medical doctors are trained [1.2.4, 1.6.3]. The goal is to address the root cause of pain and dysfunction—such as spinal misalignments—rather than masking symptoms with medication [1.2.1, 1.2.6]. This is why in most states and jurisdictions, chiropractors are legally prohibited from writing prescriptions [1.2.3].

Understanding 'Scope of Practice'

A healthcare provider's "scope of practice" defines the procedures, actions, and processes they are permitted to undertake in keeping with the terms of their professional license [1.2.2]. For chiropractors, this scope is defined by individual state licensing boards, which is why the answer to the prescription question varies by location [1.3.2]. In most states, the scope is strictly limited to non-invasive, drug-free therapies [1.3.4, 1.3.7].

The Exception: Advanced Practice Chiropractors

A significant exception to the no-prescription rule exists in a few states that have created an "Advanced Practice" designation for chiropractors. New Mexico is the most prominent example [1.2.4, 1.2.5]. To earn this certification, a D.C. must complete significant additional training, including education in pharmacology and pharmacognosy, and pass further examinations [1.4.7, 1.8.5]. This advanced training grants them limited prescriptive authority from a specific, state-approved list of medications called a formulary [1.5.4, 1.8.1]. Other states, such as Oregon, have also had historically broad scopes of practice, and some, like South Carolina and California, are noted as having limited prescription allowances under certain regulations [1.2.7, 1.3.1, 1.4.5].

What Can an Advanced Practice Chiropractor Prescribe?

The formulary for an advanced practice chiropractor is not unlimited and typically excludes controlled substances like opioids [1.3.2]. In New Mexico, the approved list includes medications directly relevant to managing musculoskeletal conditions [1.8.2, 1.8.6]. Examples from the New Mexico formulary include:

Prescription-strength NSAIDs: such as ibuprofen and naproxen [1.5.4, 1.8.2].
Muscle Relaxants: like cyclobenzaprine [1.5.4, 1.8.2].
Topical Medications: including topical NSAIDs and muscle relaxers [1.5.4, 1.8.2].
Certain Hormones: such as testosterone, progesterone, and desiccated thyroid [1.5.4, 1.8.2].
Injectables: such as sterile water, saline, and procaine [1.5.1].

Comparison: Chiropractor (DC) vs. Medical Doctor (MD)

To clarify the roles, a direct comparison is helpful. While both are highly trained 'doctors,' their focus, training, and scope of practice differ significantly.


Feature	Chiropractor (DC)	Medical Doctor (MD)
Primary Focus	Diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders, emphasizing spinal health and manual therapy [1.6.1, 1.6.5].	Diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of diseases and conditions across all body systems [1.6.1].
Education	4-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree (~4,200 hours) focused on anatomy, neurology, and spinal manipulation [1.6.3, 1.6.6].	4-year Doctor of Medicine degree followed by 3-7 years of residency in a chosen specialty. Training is heavy in pharmacology and surgery [1.6.3, 1.6.6].
Prescription Authority	No, except for certified Advanced Practice chiropractors in a few states like New Mexico [1.3.2, 1.3.3].	Yes, licensed to prescribe a wide range of medications, including controlled substances [1.6.3].
Surgical Procedures	Not licensed to perform surgery [1.6.5].	Trained and licensed to perform surgical procedures [1.6.3].
Core Philosophy	Holistic and non-invasive, focusing on the body's ability to heal itself without drugs or surgery [1.2.7, 1.6.6].	Utilizes evidence-based medicine, which includes pharmaceuticals, surgery, and other medical interventions to treat disease and symptoms [1.6.1].

Drug-Free Alternatives Offered by Chiropractors

Since most chiropractors do not prescribe medication, they rely on a variety of hands-on, drug-free techniques to manage pain and restore function [1.7.4]. These effective alternatives are the cornerstone of chiropractic care.

Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments): The primary technique, using controlled force to restore joint mobility [1.2.7, 1.7.5].
Soft Tissue Therapy: Includes techniques like massage and myofascial release to relax tight muscles and reduce tension [1.7.2, 1.7.6].
Therapeutic Exercises and Stretches: Prescribed exercises to improve strength, stability, and range of motion [1.7.2].
Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling: Guidance on diet, ergonomics, and habits to support overall health and reduce inflammation [1.7.2].
Modalities: Use of therapies like heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation [1.7.1, 1.7.4].
Acupuncture: Some chiropractors are also certified in acupuncture, using it to stimulate healing and relieve pain [1.7.2].

Conclusion: Verify Before You Visit

The answer to "What medications can a chiropractor prescribe?" is overwhelmingly "none." The profession is built on a drug-free foundation. However, the healthcare landscape is evolving, with states like New Mexico creating pathways for Advanced Practice Chiropractors with limited prescriptive authority [1.2.4, 1.4.5]. This remains the exception, not the rule. For patients, the most important step is to understand the laws in their specific state and to verify the credentials and scope of practice of any healthcare provider they consult [1.2.3]. When medication is necessary, a chiropractor will typically refer a patient to a medical doctor, often working collaboratively to ensure comprehensive care [1.6.2].

For more information on the specific scope of practice in your area, consult your state's chiropractic licensing board.

Authoritative Outbound Link: For an official overview of chiropractic, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) page on the topic. [https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic]

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, no. However, a certified Advanced Practice Chiropractor in a state like New Mexico may be able to prescribe certain muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine, as it is on their approved formulary [1.5.4, 1.8.2].

While they can recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs, only chiropractors with advanced practice certification in specific states can prescribe prescription-strength NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen [1.2.5, 1.5.4].

New Mexico is the most well-known state that allows certified Advanced Practice Chiropractors to prescribe from a limited formulary [1.2.4, 1.2.5]. Other states like South Carolina and California have regulations that may permit very limited prescription authority [1.2.7, 1.3.5].

An Advanced Practice Chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic who has completed significant postgraduate education in areas like pharmacology and holds a special certification allowing them a broader scope of practice, including limited prescription rights in certain states [1.4.5, 1.4.7].

The core philosophy of chiropractic care is to provide natural, drug-free, and non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal issues [1.2.2]. Their training is specialized in manual therapies and biomechanics, not pharmacology like medical doctors [1.6.3].

Yes, chiropractors can and often do recommend OTC supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as part of a holistic treatment plan [1.2.3, 1.2.4].

A DC is a chiropractor focused on non-invasive musculoskeletal care and generally cannot prescribe medication [1.6.5]. A DO is a fully licensed physician, with the same rights as an MD, including prescribing medication and performing surgery, but with additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment [1.6.2, 1.6.3].