When you are struggling with chronic back pain, sciatica, or neuropathy, you want to make sure you are putting your health in the hands of a qualified professional. Because of this, one of the most common questions new patients ask is, “Are chiropractors actually doctors?”
The short answer is yes.
However, chiropractors are not Medical Doctors (M.D.s). We are Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.s). While both professions share the title of “Doctor” and work toward the common goal of improving your health, our educational paths, treatment philosophies, and clinical specialties are distinctly different.
Here is a clear look at what it takes to become a Doctor of Chiropractic and how we fit into your broader healthcare team.
The Educational Path of a Chiropractor
Earning the title of Doctor of Chiropractic takes years of science based study that overlaps with medical school in the early stages.
To become licensed, a chiropractor must complete
- Undergraduate Studies Typically at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate college coursework, with a focus on science such as biology and chemistry.
- Doctoral Program About 4 years at an accredited chiropractic college.
During these doctoral years, chiropractic students complete at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience, according to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Coursework includes
- Anatomy and Physiology Understanding the complex structure of the human body.
- Neurology Studying the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Radiology Chiropractors are trained to take, read, and interpret diagnostic X rays and imaging.
- Clinical Practice Hundreds of hours of supervised, hands on clinical rotations before graduation.
Finally, just like medical doctors, chiropractors must pass the National Board examinations and obtain a state license to practice.
M.D. vs. D.C.: Different Specialties, Same Goal
The primary difference between an M.D. and a D.C. lies in the scope of practice and the approach to treatment.
- Medical Doctors (M.D.s) are trained to diagnose and treat the full range of medical conditions, often with medications and surgery. Their approach is often “outside in,” using external interventions to treat disease, infection, or severe trauma.
- Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.s) specialize in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Our approach is “inside out.” We focus on how the spine and nervous system work together, and we use hands on and instrument assisted care instead of drugs or surgery.
At Advantage Chiropractic, we do not view this as a competition. In fact, ethical chiropractors and medical doctors frequently collaborate. If we determine during your 54 point clinical evaluation that your condition requires medication, surgery, or falls outside our scope of practice, we will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist in the New Berlin area.
What Does a Doctor of Chiropractic Actually Treat?
Because we are specialists in the nervous system and spinal biomechanics, we can help patients manage conditions such as
- Chronic Lower Back and Neck Pain
- Sciatica (Nerve Compression)
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Migraines and Tension Headaches
- Whiplash and Auto Accident Injuries
The Advantage Chiropractic Approach
While many chiropractors use traditional manual twisting or “cracking” (often called the Diversified technique), our clinic specializes in the Torque Release Technique (TRT). This is a neurologically based method that uses a handheld instrument to deliver gentle, precise adjustments, without the popping sounds of manual adjustments.
Your Partner in Health
Choosing the right doctor means finding the right specialist for your specific problem. If you are dealing with a systemic illness or infection, you need an M.D. If you have joint pain or mobility problems, a Doctor of Chiropractic is one option to consider.
Ready to get your pain checked? Contact Advantage Chiropractic in New Berlin today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation.
Curious how the profession began? Read the history of chiropractic.
This article is general information and not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own symptoms.
