Are Chiropractors Medical Doctors?

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If you have complaints about a stiff neck or sore back, then you might need a visit to the chiropractor. If you’ve had chiropractic care recommended to you, then it’s always worthwhile to check out. Chiropractors handle a variety of different treatments for patients with spinal misalignment. As you learn more about chiropractors and their practice, you’ll probably start to wonder if chiropractors are medical doctors. Here is what you need to know.

Chiropractor Basics

First, it’s important to understand what a chiropractor is. A chiropractor is a medical professional that focuses on relieving pain in the spine, joints, muscles and connective tissue. The basis of the practice is to focus on the spine and misalignment and how being out of alignment can cause a score of problems. Chiropractors use their hands to relieve pain in the body. Chiropractors may treat muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, cartilage and the nervous system. The main focus is to perform manipulations to aid in pain and discomfort relief in different areas of the body.

Training and Certificates

Are they medical doctors? The answer is no. Chiropractors do not have medical degrees. Don’t count them out as medical professionals, however. They have extensive training! Likewise, they are licensed practitioners.

Chiropractors start out with an undergraduate degree. This degree tends to focus on medicine or the sciences. In fact, a lot of chiropractors have a pre-med degree. After graduation, they begin a chiropractic program that lasts four years. This program offers classes and hands-on experience. Chiropractors have to have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in order to practice. After the degree, practitioners have an additional residency. This can take anywhere from two to three years.

Now, like other doctors, chiropractors may have specialties too. Chiropractors use 100 different methods. Some may specialize in different techniques or areas. Before they can obtain a license, chiropractors have to take an exam. Even following licensing, they still have to take classes to stay up to date in the field.

When someone says that a chiropractor is not a medical doctor, for some patients they may consider it a red flag. The truth is that while they are not medical doctors, they are highly trained and licensed professionals. They have their doctorate in chiropractic care. The amount of schooling and residency is very similar between chiropractors and medical doctors. The difference is that chiropractors are trained and knowledgeable in this area of care. To set up a consult with a trained professional, contact a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD.

Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and medical doctors.