Understanding Chiropractic
Are Chiropractors Real Doctors?
The goal of this article is to highlight the differences in education and training between chiropractors and medical doctors, as well as to share insights from professionals familiar with both fields.
The short answer is yes. However, the deeper question may be, “Are chiropractors Medical Doctors (MD)?” The answer is no—they are Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). The distinction lies in the training and credentialing process, which results in different scopes of practice and approaches to patient care.
Chiropractic Training
A chiropractor’s education consists of a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by three to four years in a chiropractic program. The undergraduate degree can be in various fields, but specific science prerequisites are required before acceptance in the program (for example, Dr. Manwaring earned his BSW first and had to undergo additional schooling).
- Chiropractic school
- Heavily focused on foundational sciences covering: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and neurology, internal disorders, diagnosis, and extensive radiology training. Robust hands-on diagnostics and technique courses
- There are five board exams to pass in addition to graduation of the program before a license can be obtained.
- Chiropractors are trained as portal-of-entry providers, meaning they must recognize and diagnose any condition that walks through their door, even those outside their scope of treatment—such as cancer, kidney stones, arrhythmias, or infections. Their training emphasizes knowing when to treat and when to refer patients to the appropriate healthcare provider. Utah emphasizes this further by designating the license as being a Chiropractic Physician.
Medical Doctor Training
Medical doctors follow a similar educational pathway with some key differences:
- Pre-Med & MCAT
- MDs typically major in biological sciences and must pass the MCAT entrance exam to gain admission into medical school.
- Medical School (First Two Years)
- The early coursework is comparable to chiropractic school, with strong emphasis on basic sciences.
- There is a 32 hour rule – a minimum of thirty-two (32) credit hours over six semesters
- Pharmacology, Medications, & Surgery
- Unlike chiropractors, MDs receive extensive training in pharmacology, toxicology, and surgical techniques, as these are central to their practice.
- Chiropractic education includes courses on these topics (only minor surgery) but instead focuses the same time on hands-on diagnosis and treatment.
- Residency & Specialization (3–7 Years)
- The biggest difference is residency, where MDs spend several years in hospitals or specialized clinics refining their expertise in a chosen field. Many MDs attribute much of their hands-on experience and skill development to this period.
- There are options for Chiropractors to specialize as well but it’s more rare. (Dr. Manwaring has done this and earned his diplomate in neuromusculoskeletal medicine.)
Insights from Healthcare Professionals
Several healthcare professionals who have experienced both chiropractic and medical education were interviewed for this post and have shared valuable insights:
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A dual-trained MD/DC noted: “Medical school emphasized internal disorders more, but chiropractic school had a significantly greater focus on radiographic diagnosis.”
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MD professors teaching at chiropractic schools have stated that the curriculum for subjects like pathology, neuroanatomy, and microbiology is identical to that of medical schools.
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Multiple MDs familiar with chiropractic training have remarked: “Chiropractors graduate with significantly more hands-on skills than medical doctors at the same stage of their education.” However, they emphasize that MDs gain extensive practical training during their residency.
- A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who teaches at a chiropractic school commented: “Chiropractic and PT schools have many similarities, but chiropractors learn more about internal disorders.”
Who Should You See?
Choosing between a chiropractor and a medical doctor depends on your healthcare needs:
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For life-threatening symptoms → Go to the ER and see a medical doctor.
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For digestive issues, blood in stool → Consult a gastroenterologist.
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For skin concerns, moles, or rashes → See a dermatologist.
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For neck, back, arm, or leg pain → Visit a chiropractor.
A well-trained chiropractor specializes in neuro-musculoskeletal diagnosis and conservative treatment. At Whole Body Health Care, we pride ourselves on identifying the root cause of pain and helping patients recover as quickly as possible.
We are transparent about our capabilities and collaborate with other healthcare professionals when necessary. If we can’t help you, we will connect you with someone who can.
Questions About Chiropractic Care - Quick Hits
Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues. Here are some common questions we receive:
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a medical doctor?
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, while medical doctors are trained in a broader range of medical fields, including internal medicine and surgery.
How are chiropractors trained?
Chiropractors undergo extensive training, including over 5,000 hours of in-person contact, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, radiology, and hands-on techniques.
Can chiropractors prescribe medication?
No, chiropractors do not prescribe medication. They use hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve function. There are rare exceptions to this – NM DCs have limited prescriptive rights.
Do chiropractors perform surgery?
Chiropractors do not perform surgery. Their expertise lies in non-invasive treatments and manual adjustments. In OR DCs can perform minor surgeries and deliver babies.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe when performed by a licensed professional. It is important to discuss any concerns with your chiropractor. See more here!
What conditions can chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors commonly treat conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Health
Ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care? Contact our clinic today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Our team is here to support your journey to optimal health.