Are Chiropractors Doctors? Understanding Their Role in Healthcare and Wellness

By: Janett King

Are-Chiropractors-Doctors-?-Understanding-Their-Role-in-Healthcare-and-Wellness

In healthcare, clarity matters. If you’ve ever wondered, "Are chiropractors doctors?" you’re not alone.

This question pops up frequently because chiropractors occupy a unique space in the healthcare system. They’re healthcare professionals specializing in non-invasive, drug-free treatments for musculoskeletal issues.

But what sets them apart, and how do they compare to medical doctors? Let’s look closer at what chiropractors do, their education, and their role in your health.

What is a chiropractor: Understanding their focus and expertise

A chiropractor is a healthcare worker focused on diagnosing and treating problems with the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to help reduce pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Chiropractors often treat neck pain, back pain, headaches, and injuries to soft tissues like muscles and ligaments.

Chiropractors differ from medical doctors in their approach. While medical doctors typically treat symptoms with medication or surgery, chiropractors focus on restoring proper alignment to the spine and other joints. This alignment plays a crucial role in overall health. Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and nervous system function, enhancing the body’s ability to heal and adapt to stress.

How are chiropractors considered doctors?

Chiropractors who complete extensive education and rigorous training earn the title of 'Doctor of Chiropractic' (DC) and become licensed healthcare professionals. This specialized education equips them with in-depth musculoskeletal and nervous systems knowledge, allowing them to diagnose and treat various conditions.

Unlike medical doctors (MDs), DCs focus on non-invasive treatments that restore balance and function instead of prescribing medication or performing surgery. Unlike conventional treatments that often focus on alleviating symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the root causes of pain and dysfunction, promoting long-term healing and overall wellness by optimizing spinal alignment and nervous system function.

Licensing and governing bodies ensure high standards

To practice in the United States, chiropractors must complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) oversees the accreditation process to ensure that chiropractic programs meet rigorous academic and clinical standards. After completing their degree, chiropractors must pass exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).

Each state has its licensing board that regulates chiropractic practice. These boards ensure that chiropractors meet continuing education requirements and adhere to professional standards. This regulatory framework ensures that licensed chiropractors provide safe and effective care.

What education and training is required to become a chiropractor?

How to become a chiropractor: The path to a rewarding career

Becoming a chiropractor requires a solid academic foundation, extensive training, and a commitment to helping others. Aspiring chiropractors typically begin with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology or kinesiology. After completing their undergraduate studies, they advance to chiropractic college to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, a program that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience.

Life University and Palmer College of Chiropractic are two of the most renowned chiropractic colleges in the United States. Life University, located in Marietta, Georgia, offers an innovative approach to chiropractic education focusing on chiropractic care's philosophy, art, and science. Daniel David Palmer founded Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1897, and many consider it the birthplace of chiropractic education, with campuses in Iowa, Florida, and California. Both institutions provide comprehensive training that equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in this specialized field.

What classes do chiropractors take in school?

Chiropractic students study many of the same foundational subjects as medical students, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiology. These courses provide a critical understanding of the human body and its functions. However, chiropractic education also emphasizes specialized areas such as spinal biomechanics, chiropractic techniques, nutrition, and rehabilitation, preparing students to provide patient-centered care focused on natural and non-invasive approaches.

Chiropractic education is typically divided into four years:

Year one: Students begin with foundational courses in general anatomy, biochemistry, chiropractic principles, and spinal anatomy. These classes establish the basis for understanding human structure and chiropractic care.
Year two: The focus shifts to applied knowledge with courses in chiropractic procedures, pathology, clinical orthopedics, imaging interpretation, and research methods, helping students connect theory with practice.
Year three: Students start clinical internships and explore advanced topics such as integrated chiropractic care, pediatrics, dermatology, nutrition, and ethics. These areas prepare them to handle diverse patient needs.
Year four: A comprehensive clinical internship takes center stage. Students work under licensed chiropractors and may complete rotations in hospitals or veterans’ clinics, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.

In addition to the structured curriculum, chiropractic students undergo extensive clinical training to refine their practical skills. They are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions by graduation. Upon passing their state licensing exams, graduates earn the title of Doctor of Chiropractic. Many also pursue further nutrition, sports medicine, or orthopedic rehabilitation certifications.

Certifications and specialties in chiropractic care

Many chiropractors pursue additional certifications or specializations after earning their DC degree and obtaining licensure. For example, some focus on sports medicine, pediatrics, or orthopedics. These advanced certifications require additional training and exams, allowing chiropractors to provide more specialized care.

How does chiropractic school compare to medical school?

While chiropractic and medical schools prepare students for healthcare careers, they differ in training, approach, and focus areas. Understanding these differences can help clarify what sets chiropractors apart from MDs and highlight the unique aspects of each profession.

What are the similarities between chiropractic and medical school?

Chiropractic and medical school share several fundamental similarities. Both paths require rigorous academic training, a deep understanding of the human body, and hands-on clinical experience. In both programs, students study core sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology, thoroughly understanding how the body functions in health and disease. Both chiropractors and medical doctors receive training to diagnose and treat patients, making them integral parts of the healthcare system.

What are the differences between chiropractic and medical school?

The primary distinction between chiropractic and medical education is their approach to patient care. Medical doctors focus on diagnosing and treating diseases through medication, surgery, and other medical interventions. On the other hand, chiropractors emphasize a holistic, drug-free approach that focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to promote overall health.

While both fields share a strong scientific foundation, chiropractic education includes in-depth training in manual therapies, particularly spinal manipulation, which is central to chiropractic care. Medical education places greater emphasis on pharmacology and surgical interventions. Chiropractors learn to apply spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to address musculoskeletal issues. At the same time, medical doctors train to prescribe medications and perform surgeries to treat various conditions.

Additionally, the clinical experiences differ. Medical doctors typically complete extensive residencies in hospitals, where they receive exposure to a broad range of medical specialties. Chiropractors, however, gain practical experience through clinical rotations in outpatient settings, focusing on musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation. This hands-on training allows chiropractors to develop expertise in non-invasive therapies for pain relief and overall wellness.

Ultimately, both paths are rigorous and specialized, with chiropractors offering a complementary, drug-free approach to healthcare that emphasizes long-term wellness through manual therapy and spinal health.

What other professionals are similar to chiropractors?

Chiropractors share some common ground with other professionals focusing on non-invasive, patient-centered care. Here’s a breakdown of roles with overlapping approaches to musculoskeletal health:

Osteopaths: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who integrate manual therapies, such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), into their practice. Like chiropractors, they emphasize the relationship between body structure and function and incorporate conventional medical treatments like prescribing medications and performing surgeries.
Physical therapists: Physical therapists (PTs) help restore patient movement and function through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education. Their scope of practice emphasizes rehabilitation and prevention of injuries rather than adjustments or manipulations, making their approach complementary to chiropractic care.
Massage therapists: These professionals focus on soft tissue manipulation to alleviate tension, reduce pain, and improve circulation. While their scope is limited and doesn't include diagnosing or treating medical conditions, massage therapy can work alongside chiropractic treatment for muscle relaxation and stress relief.
Athletic trainers: Athletic trainers specialize in preventing and treating sports injuries. They work with athletes to develop conditioning programs, provide immediate care during sports activities, and support rehabilitation after injuries. Their expertise aligns with the sports medicine focus some chiropractors pursue.
Acupuncturists: Acupuncturists use fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body to balance energy flow (or "qi") and promote healing. Like chiropractors, they often treat pain and musculoskeletal conditions, but their methods stem from traditional Chinese medicine.
Orthopedic specialists: These medical doctors (MDs) and surgeons focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. While their approach often includes surgical intervention and prescription medications, they can collaborate with chiropractors for comprehensive patient care.
Kinesiologists: Kinesiologists study human movement and provide therapeutic exercises to improve physical performance. Their work often overlaps with chiropractors in areas like posture correction and injury prevention.

These professionals contribute to a holistic approach to health and wellness by working together or in complementary ways.

What should you know about seeing a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care can offer significant benefits for managing musculoskeletal issues, but there are important things to know before seeking treatment. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat spinal, muscle, and joint conditions. Their approach typically involves non-invasive techniques like spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and exercise recommendations to help restore function and relieve pain.

When considering chiropractic care, it’s essential to understand that chiropractors take a holistic view of health. They don’t just address the symptoms; they aim to find and treat the underlying causes of discomfort, such as spinal misalignments, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. This comprehensive approach can help improve overall wellness and prevent future problems. Chiropractors often work alongside other healthcare providers to create an integrated treatment plan that best serves your needs.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Many people widely recognize chiropractors' expertise in treating back and neck pain, but they have a much broader scope of practice. While musculoskeletal issues like muscle strains, joint pain, and spinal misalignments are among the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, chiropractors are also well-versed in treating various conditions that affect the body’s ability to function optimally.

For example, chiropractors receive training to address conditions like headaches and migraines, sciatica, and issues related to soft tissues such as muscle sprains and ligament injuries. They also treat repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports-related injuries, helping athletes recover more quickly and prevent future issues. Beyond injury treatment, chiropractic care can also help improve posture, reduce the risk of future injuries, and enhance mobility, particularly for individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles or spend long hours at a desk.

Chiropractors can help with a wide range of health concerns, including:

Back pain (including lower back pain,
upper back pain, and herniated discs)
Neck pain (whiplash, tech neck, neck strain, tension)
Sciatica (pain radiating along the sciatic nerve)
Headaches and Migraines (tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches)
Muscle strains and sprains (pulled muscles, tendonitis, ligament sprains)
Joint pain (shoulders, hips, knees, elbows, wrists)
Repetitive stress disorder or repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow)
Sports injuries (sprains, strains, athletic injuries)
Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease)
Postural problems (forward head posture, rounded shoulders, lower back curvature)
TMJ disorders (jaw pain)
Scoliosis (spinal curvature issues)
Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around joints)
Frozen shoulder (limited range of motion and shoulder pain)
Plantar fasciitis and other foot-related pain (heel pain)
Numbness and tingling (often due to nerve impingement)
Rehabilitation after surgery (post-surgical recovery)
Pelvic pain (including pregnancy-related discomfort and pelvic misalignments)
Sports performance issues (improving flexibility, strength, coordination)
Arthritis (joint inflammation)
Growing pains (common in children)
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Ear infections (may be alleviated with adjustments)
Neuropathy (nerve-related pain or dysfunction)
Spondylosis (degenerative spinal changes)
Spondylitis (inflammation of the spine)
Vertigo (balance issues)

In addition to treating acute injuries, chiropractic treatment can provide long-term benefits for ongoing issues like chronic pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Through adjustments, soft tissue work, and lifestyle recommendations, chiropractors may help patients improve their quality of life, reduce pain, and restore balance to their musculoskeletal system. By addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of these conditions, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health and wellness.

What areas of the body can benefit from chiropractic care?

While chiropractors are most associated with treating spinal health, their expertise extends to many other areas of the body. Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, meaning any area with nerves, muscles, joints, and ligaments may benefit from treatment. In addition to spinal health, chiropractors often treat conditions affecting the shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.

For example, a chiropractor can perform adjustments and soft tissue therapies to relieve pain and restore mobility if you have a shoulder injury from repetitive movements. Chiropractic care can address hip or knee pain caused by misalignments or imbalances, helping to improve movement and function. Even issues affecting the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, can benefit from chiropractic treatment, as misalignments in the spine can contribute to jaw pain and discomfort.

By focusing on the entire musculoskeletal system and its interconnections, chiropractors aim to optimize function and improve overall body alignment, which can enhance posture, flexibility, and general well-being.

Who can benefit from chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic care is versatile and may benefit people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re an active athlete, a senior dealing with age-related discomfort, or someone managing the physical strain of a desk job, chiropractic treatment could offer effective relief and support. Chiropractic care could help children address issues like postural imbalances and growing pains, and parents commonly use it to manage conditions like ear infections or colic in infants.

For athletes, chiropractic care is especially valuable in promoting faster injury recovery and improving overall performance. Chiropractors seek to restore flexibility and reduce the risk of future injuries by focusing on joint mobility and muscle function. Similarly, individuals who spend long hours sitting at a desk may experience tension, poor posture, or neck pain. Still, chiropractic care could address these issues to promote better alignment and overall health.

In addition, chiropractic treatment benefits anyone looking to take a proactive approach to their health by preventing future injuries and maintaining mobility. Chiropractic care may complement your overall wellness plan, whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or recovering from surgery.

What to expect during your first chiropractic visit

At The Joint Chiropractic, your first visit is designed to be simple and informative. Upon arrival, you’ll fill out a brief health history form to help your chiropractor understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and wellness goals. Unlike traditional practices, we do not use X-rays; we base our approach on a thorough physical evaluation. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, as someone may ask you to move around for certain assessments.

Your chiropractor will then perform a hands-on examination to assess your posture, alignment, and range of motion. Based on this evaluation, they will provide a spinal adjustment tailored to your needs and may combine it with soft tissue therapy or other manual techniques. The chiropractor will discuss any lifestyle changes or exercises that can aid in your recovery and prevention of future issues.

We designed our care model to be flexible, requiring no long-term commitment. Your chiropractor will base follow-up visits on your unique needs and progress, and they will adjust the treatment plan as necessary. We prioritize your comfort throughout your care and aim to help you feel better quickly.

Why chiropractors matter in your healthcare journey

So, are chiropractors doctors? They are Doctors of Chiropractic, licensed healthcare professionals who provide specialized care for musculoskeletal conditions. While their approach differs from medical doctors, they play a vital role in the healthcare system.

Chiropractors offer a holistic, drug-free alternative for managing pain and improving overall wellness. Whether you’re dealing with neck or back pain or looking for ways to support your body’s natural healing process, chiropractic care could help you feel your best.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.