Doctors Are Doctors. Chiropractors are Chiropractors.
Many have come to think of a doctor as someone who prescribes advice and drugs or performs surgery. Sporting a white lab coat or surgical scrubs with a stethoscope at the neck, doctors are seen as all-knowing, omnipotent and able to save patients in 60 minutes, less commercials.
A medical doctor (MD) and a chiropractor (DC) while different, have both received a degree from a government accredited medical school or chiropractic college and are licensed to practice.
But that’s where the similarity ends because each discipline looks at health and healing in very different ways.
Medical Doctors
Sees the disease
Studies the blood
Relies on drugs
Treats symptoms
Chiropractors
Sees the person with the disease
Improves nervous system integrity
Reduces causes of nerve interference
Promotes proper bodily function
What is the difference between a medical doctor and a chiropractor?
Course (In classroom hours)
Chiropractor Medicine
540 Anatomy 508
240 Physiology 326
360 Pathology 401
165 Chemistry 325
120 Microbiology 114
630 Diagnosis 324
320 Neurology 112
360 X-ray 148
60 Psychiatry 144
60 Obstetrics 148
210 Orthopedics 156
__________________________________________________________________
3,065 Total Hours 2,706
Other Required Subjects
Spinal Adjustments Pharmacology
Manipulation Immunology
Advanced Radiology General Surgery
Clearly, these are two very different philosophies. Yet, each has its place. If you have broken bones or you’re bleeding by the side of the road, you want the heroic lifesaving measures of emergency medical treatment. But if you have chronic aches and pains or an interest in wellness, you may want the health restoration possible that is the focus of chiropractic care.