A chiropractor is a healthcare professional that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Chiropractic care is widely considered the first holistic medicine because it focuses on treating the whole person, not just the affected area of the body. Unfortunately because of its holistic roots, there are people who question whether chiropractors are real doctors or not.
In the world of medicine, chiropractic care, or the practice of treating musculoskeletal injuries, seems to hover in somewhat of a grey area. It lingers somewhere between standard health care and alternative medicine.
Because it does sit in that gray area, and because it is considered holistic, some people still think that it's no better than sniffing essential oils. Chiropractors are legitimate doctors, and we will explore why in the article below.
What Does a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractic care puts an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. Most chiropractors seek to reduce pain and improve the functionality of the injured areas, as well as treat the person as a whole.
Chiropractic care uses a variety of non-invasive treatments to treat a variety of conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain / Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Repetitive strains
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Car accident injuries
- Arthritic pain
Chiropractic care primarily focuses on treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders, which are those that affect the neuro, muscular, and skeletal system.
When it's appropriate, a Doctor of Chiropractic refers patients to medical doctors or other health care practitioners for conditions they're unable to treat. It's because of this that a chiropractor can also serve as your general practitioner.
What Degrees Does a Chiropractor Need?
Chiropractors will typically complete about eight years of higher education before they receive their certification and license. Most chiropractors have four years of undergraduate education, usually with a pre-med major after taking courses in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics.
After that, they attend a chiropractic graduate program. On average, those programs involve four years of additional education totaling up 4,200 instructional hours.
Chiropractor Training Specifics and Schooling
While chiropractors do not have to go to medical school, their studies still entail many of the same components. Here's a year-by-year breakdown of chiropractic graduate school studies:
- Year 1: Students take courses in general anatomy, chiropractic principals, biochemistry, and spinal anatomy.
- Year 2: Chiropractic procedures, pathology, clinical orthopedics, imaging interpretation, and research method courses are taken in the second year.
- Year 3: Courses in clinical internships, integrated chiropractic, pediatrics, dermatology, practice management, and ethics and jurisprudence make up the third year.
- Year 4: In the final year, they have a clinical internship where they study under a chiropractor and complete rotations in a hospital.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, the average chiropractic program involves as many classroom hours as a program that trains medical doctors. They often receive training and certification in a wide variety of specialties, such as sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Once they've completed the program, they will sit for their state licensing board, which officially makes them a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C).
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors are real doctors with a Doctorate in Chiropractic (D.C.), but they typically aren't medical doctors. They are professionals who care about people and are dedicated to providing non-invasive, personalized care, and treatment.
Extensive Education
Licensed Doctors of Chiropractic
Non-Invasive Care Focus
Difference Between Medical Doctors
Besides just schooling, chiropractors and medical doctors share some key differences. Although both chiropractors and medical doctors are licensed healthcare professionals, they receive different types of training and focus on different approaches to patient care.
A medical doctor (M.D.) attends medical school and is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses through medication, surgery, and other medical interventions. Their education covers every major body system and prepares them to manage everything from infections to chronic diseases and emergency conditions.
A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), on the other hand, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Rather than relying on prescription medications or surgery, chiropractors use a variety of holistic methods to reduce pain and improve mobility, like:
- Spinal adjustments
- Manual therapies
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Lifestyle recommendations
Think of it like this, a chiropractor may refer you to a physician if you present with a serious underlying medical condition, while a medical doctor may recommend chiropractic care for ongoing back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal issues.
Why See a Chiropractor?
Many people visit a chiropractor when they're dealing with back pain, neck pain, or headaches, but chiropractic care can offer benefits that extend beyond temporary pain relief. By focusing on the relationship between the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system, chiropractors work to improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function throughout the body.
Chiropractic care can also play an important role in recovery after a car accident, sports injury, or repetitive strain injury. Many patients continue seeing a chiropractor even after their pain improves to help maintain mobility, prevent future injuries, and support their overall wellness.
What to Expect at the Chiropractor
If it's your first visit, it is designed to help your chiropractor understand what's causing your pain and determine the best treatment plan for your needs. While every practice is slightly different, most appointments follow a similar process.
- Step 1 - Health History: Your chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, medications, and lifestyle to better understand your overall health.
- Step 2 - Physical Examination: You'll undergo an examination that may include posture analysis, range of motion tests, reflex testing, and an evaluation of your spine, muscles, and joints.
- Step 3 - Diagnostic Imaging (If Needed): In some cases, X-rays or other imaging may be recommended to rule out fractures, arthritis, or other underlying conditions before treatment begins.
- Step 4 - Chiropractic Adjustment: If appropriate, your chiropractor will perform a spinal or joint adjustment using controlled, gentle force to improve alignment and restore mobility. Some adjustments produce a popping sound, which is simply gas being released from the joint and is generally painless.
- Step 5 - Personalized Treatment Plan: Before you leave, your chiropractor will explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment goals, and may recommend stretches, strengthening exercises, posture improvements, or follow-up visits to support your recovery.
Every patient's treatment plan is different. Some people experience relief after a single visit, while others with chronic pain or more complex injuries may benefit from ongoing care over several weeks or months.
Cost of a Chiropractor
The cost of a chiropractor ranges depending on their hourly rate, your insurance coverage, and the issues you are seeing the doctor for. In Georgia, your cost may range from $30 to over $160.
How to Find a Chiropractor in Georgia
Finding the right chiropractor in Georgia starts with choosing a licensed provider who has experience treating your specific condition. Whether you're looking for relief from back pain, recovering from a car accident, or managing a sports injury, taking a few minutes to research your options can help you find the best fit.
When comparing chiropractors, consider the following:
- Verify that they are licensed to practice in your area.
- Look for experience treating your specific injury or condition.
- Read patient reviews to learn about others' experiences.
- Ask whether they accept your health insurance or offer payment plans.
- Find out if they provide additional services such as rehabilitation exercises, massage therapy, or spinal decompression.
- Choose a location with office hours that fit your schedule.
Many chiropractors, like the Arrowhead Clinic, also offer free consultations, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about their treatment approach before committing to care.
Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe?
This is probably the most important question to ask; is getting treated by a chiropractor safe? Because chiropractors only use noninvasive and nonsurgical procedures, it is often safer than standard health care.
Chiropractors also don't prescribe painkillers with a long list of side effects. Although uncommon, you can experience some side effects after your chiropractic treatments. Those side effects include:
- Discomfort in areas treated
- Fatigue
- Headaches
The majority of the time, most discomfort and soreness subsides within 24 hours of your spinal manipulation.
The Arrowhead Clinic
The chiropractic doctors at the Arrowhead Clinic have 48+ years of experience serving their communities, and, yes, they are all legitimate doctors.
When you visit the Arrowhead Clinic, a doctor of chiropractic will give you a complete physical exam and review your medical history so they can get a better understanding of your issues.
When that's completed, your doctor will design a treatment plan tailored to your needs that will help you make a full recovery.
If you'd like to see a chiropractor at the Arrowhead Clinic, schedule your free consultation and begin your road to recovery.
