You may have seen a chiropractor use “Dr.” before their name and wondered:
Are chiropractors actually doctors?
Yes—but there's an important distinction.
Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. They are doctors of chiropractic, but they are not medical doctors (M.D.s) unless they separately hold a medical degree.
Here's what that means.
What Degree Does a Chiropractor Have?
To become a chiropractor in the United States, a chiropractor completes professional education leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and must meet licensing requirements to practice.
That's why chiropractors may appropriately use the title Doctor.
It's similar to other healthcare professionals who earn doctoral-level professional degrees.
The specific degree matters, though.
D.C. = Doctor of Chiropractic
M.D. = Doctor of Medicine
They represent different healthcare professions, education and scopes of practice.
Is a Chiropractor a Medical Doctor?
No.
A chiropractor shouldn't represent themselves as a medical physician simply because they use the title Doctor.
Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals with their own scope of practice.
Chiropractic practice primarily focuses on evaluating and managing musculoskeletal problems, particularly conditions involving the spine, joints and related neuromusculoskeletal symptoms.
Depending on the condition, chiropractic care may include spinal manipulation or mobilization, exercise, rehabilitation and movement and other conservative treatments.
Can Chiropractors Diagnose Conditions?
Within their scope of practice, chiropractors evaluate patients, perform examinations and diagnose conditions.
That distinction is important.
A chiropractic visit shouldn't simply consist of walking into an office and immediately receiving an adjustment.
An appropriate evaluation may include:
- A health history
- Discussion of your symptoms
- Orthopedic testing
- Neurological testing when appropriate
- Range-of-motion assessment
- Strength testing
- Functional assessment
- Imaging when clinically indicated
The purpose is to determine what's likely causing your symptoms, whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate and whether you need additional medical evaluation.
Do Chiropractors Take X-Rays?
Chiropractors may order or perform diagnostic X-rays when appropriate within their scope of practice.
But not every chiropractic patient needs an X-ray.
Imaging should be based on the patient's history, examination, symptoms and clinical indications rather than being an automatic requirement before receiving care.
What Does a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractors commonly evaluate and manage musculoskeletal complaints such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Certain types of headaches
- Sciatica and radiating symptoms
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sports-related injuries
- Some auto-accident injuries
The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis.
And sometimes the correct decision is not chiropractic treatment.
When Should a Chiropractor Refer You?
Knowing when not to treat someone is an important part of being a healthcare professional.
Symptoms or examination findings may indicate that a patient needs additional testing or evaluation from another healthcare provider.
Depending on the situation, that could mean referral to a primary-care physician, orthopedist, neurologist, emergency department or another appropriate provider.
Good chiropractic care isn't about claiming chiropractic can treat everything.
It's about recognizing what falls within our scope, treating appropriate musculoskeletal problems and referring when something requires different care.
Chiropractor vs. Medical Doctor: Do You Have to Choose?
No.
Chiropractic and medical care don't need to be competing approaches.
Someone with uncomplicated mechanical back pain may benefit from conservative care and exercise.
Someone with a fracture, infection, progressive neurological deficit or another serious condition may require medical or surgical management.
And sometimes patients benefit from multiple healthcare professionals working together.
The goal should be getting the patient the appropriate care, regardless of which profession provides it.
Chiropractic Care in Maple Grove, MN
I'm Dr. Greg Beenken, D.C., chiropractor and owner of Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness in Maple Grove.
When you come into our office, our first job isn't simply to adjust your spine.
It's to understand what's bothering you, examine the problem and determine what type of care makes sense.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include chiropractic care, rehabilitation and movement, massage therapy, spinal decompression or referral for additional evaluation.
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Your first visit includes a consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first chiropractic adjustment when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Greg Beenken
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