FAQs

Of course they are. They are well-educated, state licensed, medico-legally insured, must do continuing education, and are closely scrutinized by their authoritative professional body. The chiropractic education is similar in its basic science courses to medicine. Where they differ is in the clinical components of their education. To see, and compare, the respective professions’ currucula, you can go the some of the chiropractic colleges’ websites. Most people are surprised to see that chiropractors’ educations exceed the rigor of medical physicians in several components, including total number of hours of didactic schooling, and specialization of components such as radiology. And like other types of doctors, including podiatrists, dentists, orthodontists, and veterinarians, they are held to a high standard of competency and conduct.

This varies among individual practitioners. Generally, chiropractors use more manipulative “adjustments” to the spine for their patients’ painful spines. And, generally, physical therapists do more exercise instruction for their patients with spinal pain. Both professions usually use a variety of other “physical medicine” procedures as part of their treatments. Both professions specialize in a variety of other treatments, so specific practitioners differ considerably. For several reasons, physical therapists receive many more referrals from medical doctors for treatment. Most people will probably see a physical therapist sometime in their lifetime. Chiropractors remain less popular among the general public and as referees from medical doctors.”