Have you heard from friends or family how helpful a chiropractor has been for them but wondered whether or not chiropractors are considered doctors? Older generations may remember a time when chiropractic care was excluded from medical practices and medical insurance. Today, however, chiropractic care is recognized as a legitimate group of medical providers who can help treat a wide variety of illnesses, injuries, and pain. If you are considering a chiropractor in Snellville but are anxious about the experience, here is some helpful information on chiropractors as a medical profession.
Medical Training and Certification for Chiropractors
While chiropractors are not medical doctors, they are medical providers. Chiropractors are medical professionals who can treat many of the same conditions as your primary care doctor, an orthopedist, a physical therapist, or even a car accident injury doctor. While chiropractors do not go to medical school or receive a medical doctorate, they do attend chiropractic school, where they also study the body. Areas of study are very similar to medical doctors in that future chiropractors will study anatomy and physiology, the nervous system, the spine, and how to diagnose and interpret diagnostic imaging tools.
After an undergraduate degree, those who complete a chiropractic program that includes clinical internships and hands-on experience will receive a Doctorate of Chiropractic, which is the first step to treating patients. Once a chiropractor receives their doctorate, they still must receive approval from a state licensing board with strict rules and regulations before starting to work with patients. One difference between medical doctors and chiropractors as medical providers is that chiropractors do not prescribe medication. Instead, chiropractic care is considered a natural, non-invasive approach to treat your pain or illness.
Medical Treatments by Chiropractors
While chiropractors do not prescribe medications, they do use a number of natural, alternative approaches to pain management that are just as effective without the side effects or risk for addiction. Chiropractors view pain, injuries, and illnesses as related to your muscles and bones and provide medical treatment to patients by using gentle adjustment techniques to the spine. A goal of chiropractic treatment is to evaluate and identify any areas in the spine that are out of alignment and causing pain or illness. Then, they will use specific techniques of chiropractors to help restore your spine to its proper positioning and encourage better communication from your brain to the rest of your body.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments on your spine, a chiropractor will also focus on the muscles supporting your spine and the other muscles and soft tissues that may be affected by a spinal misalignment. Your muscles help support your spine, and your spine houses the nervous system, which sends messages from your brain to the rest of your body. Chiropractors view your pain or injury as a neuromusculoskeletal issue, meaning it affects your nervous system, muscles, and bones. They then develop a treatment plan that will address how all three of these areas are impacted by spinal misalignments.
Holistic Approach to Your Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors use a holistic approach to treating each patient, meaning they view your illness or pain symptoms as a side effect or symptom of a misalignment in your spine. A goal of chiropractic care is to treat the body as a whole and recognize how one area that may be functioning poorly can make an impact on the rest of your body. In addition to your physical body, chiropractors also view your mental health and wellness as part of this. A treatment plan will involve helping your body function correctly in order to experience better health and wellness.
Contrary to what some may think, chiropractors don’t just adjust your spine and call it a day! Part of this holistic view of your healthcare and treatment includes an emphasis on your nutrition, diet, and other aspects of your lifestyle, like exercise. Depending on your specific illness or injury, your chiropractor may recommend specific stretches and exercises to help alleviate back pain or muscle pain. Chiropractors also consider other natural ways of treating your ailments, like suggesting specific diets or sleep options that may help.
Quality, competent doctors of chiropractic and medical doctors recognize the importance and benefits of working together to provide patients with comprehensive care. It is imperative to pick a good chiropractor that fits your needs. At AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, you can schedule a consultation to meet with a chiropractor and learn more about how chiropractic care will benefit you. It also helps to know that visiting a chiropractor in Snellville, like with AICA Orthopedics, can include medical doctors as part of your treatment plan so you feel fully taken care of and are able to experience true healing and recovery. When you visit AICA Orthopedics to see any of our team of doctors, you can also expect to see all your treatment team and even get diagnostic imaging scans like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, all under one roof. Our goal is to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan and comprehensive care so you can experience long-lasting relief and recovery.
FAQs about Chiropractors as Doctors
Q: Is a chiropractor a medical doctor?
A: No, a chiropractor is not a medical doctor (MD). Chiropractors are Doctors of Chiropractic (DC), which means they are trained and licensed professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, primarily through spinal adjustments and manual therapy. Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors do not attend traditional medical school but instead complete specialized chiropractic education.
Q: Do chiropractors go to medical school?
No, chiropractors do not go to medical school. Instead, they attend chiropractic colleges accredited by organizations like the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). These programs typically last four years and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging, followed by hands-on clinical training. While chiropractic education is rigorous, it differs from the medical school training required for MDs.
Q: Is a Doctor of Chiropractic a real doctor?
Yes, a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a real doctor within their specific field of practice. Chiropractors hold a doctoral degree in chiropractic care, which allows them to use the title “doctor.” However, their scope of practice differs from that of medical doctors or osteopathic doctors (DOs). Chiropractors focus on non-invasive, drug-free approaches to health and wellness, primarily addressing spinal health and related issues.
Q: Is a Doctor of Chiropractic a physician?
While chiropractors are not medical physicians, they are licensed healthcare providers recognized as doctors within their field. They are trained to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions and provide patient care without the use of drugs or surgery. In some jurisdictions, chiropractors may be classified as primary care providers, meaning they can serve as the first point of contact for patients with certain health concerns.
Q: Can a chiropractor prescribe medication?
No, chiropractors cannot prescribe medication. Chiropractic care is based on a drug-free approach to health and wellness. Instead of prescribing drugs, chiropractors use spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle recommendations, and other natural methods to help patients manage pain and improve their overall health.
Q: How does chiropractic education compare to medical education?
Chiropractic education is rigorous but distinct from medical education. Both fields require national board examinations and state licensure but differ significantly in their approach to patient care.
Here’s a comparison:
- Chiropractic Education: Students complete a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, which includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and manual therapy techniques. The program also requires extensive clinical practice.
- Medical Education: Medical doctors (MDs) complete a four-year medical degree followed by a residency in a specialized field, which may last 3–7 years. Their training focuses heavily on pharmacology, surgery, and general medicine.
Q: What types of conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors primarily treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches (including tension and some migraines)
- Sciatica
- Joint pain (e.g., knees, hips, shoulders)
- Postural problems
They also help patients improve overall wellness by focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function.
Q: Are chiropractors recognized as healthcare professionals?
Yes, chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals recognized in all 50 U.S. states and many countries worldwide. Their training, licensure, and scope of practice are regulated by state laws and national boards, ensuring they meet professional standards.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. The risk of complications from spinal adjustments is low. However, patients with certain conditions (e.g., severe osteoporosis, fractures, or certain vascular issues) should consult their primary care physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.
Q: How is chiropractic care different from traditional medical care?
Chiropractic care emphasizes natural, drug-free methods to treat and prevent health issues. Chiropractors focus on the relationship between spinal alignment and the nervous system, whereas traditional medical care often involves medications and surgical interventions. Both approaches can be complementary, depending on the patient’s needs.
Q: Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
In many cases, chiropractic care is covered by health insurance, including Medicare and workers’ compensation plans. Coverage may vary based on the policy, so patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm details about chiropractic benefits.
Q: How do chiropractors diagnose conditions?
Chiropractors use a variety of diagnostic tools, including patient history reviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic imaging like X-rays and MRIs. These tools help chiropractors identify musculoskeletal issues and develop personalized treatment plans.
Q: How does chiropractic care fit into holistic health?
Chiropractic care is a key component of holistic health, emphasizing the body’s ability to heal itself when properly aligned. Chiropractors often integrate lifestyle counseling, exercise, and nutrition recommendations into their treatment plans to promote overall wellness.
Q: Is chiropractic care suitable for children?
Yes, chiropractic care can be adapted for children. Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on gentle techniques to address common issues like colic, ear infections, and postural problems. Parents should consult a qualified pediatric chiropractor to ensure safe and appropriate care for their child.
Q: Can chiropractors work alongside other healthcare providers?
Absolutely. Chiropractors often collaborate with medical doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment for their conditions.
Q: How do I choose a qualified chiropractor?
To find a qualified chiropractor, look for the following:
- A valid state license
- Positive patient reviews and referrals
- Clear communication about treatment plans and costs