There is a common misconception among the public, that chiropractors are not real doctors and that they are not experts in the medical field. Defining a doctor, according to a quick internet search, is a licensed practitioner who holds a doctorate degree. Quite a few different professions require a doctorate degree, such as a psychologist or a college professor. Chiropractors must hold a Doctorate of Chiropractic in order to practice in the United States. With this in mind, we at Revelation Chiropractic would like to dispel the common misconception that chiropractors are not doctors and give you some confidence in the expertise chiropractors possess.
Are Chiropractors Real Doctors?
Generally, a comparison to a medical doctor is made when people often contemplate if a chiropractor is a “real” doctor. Someone who goes to medical school for four years and obtains a doctorate to practice medicine is a medical doctor. In order to treat disease, practicing medicine means to prescribe medications or perform surgeries. More often than not, the mainstream image that comes to mind when “doctor” is mentioned is this western portrayal of a healthcare provider. When they do not fall under the mainstream umbrella often times they can be disregarded as true professionals, there are many different types of healthcare providers. Due to a scheme to destroy chiropractic is a lesser-known reason to why this common misconception exists. The short version is a couple of groups (one being the American Medical Association) got together and plotted against the chiropractic profession, though this is a whole other topic on its own. Creating a stigma that chiropractors are not real doctors was one of their tactics. Following a court trial between this group and chiropractors proved the plot to be real, the truth was revealed. This misconception about chiropractors has remained in the public’s perception, unfortunately.
Chiropractic is a Real Degree
Chiropractors do not have as extensive of an education or training as medical doctors is another common misconception. However, since the nervous system runs the entire body, they must be well versed in how it operates and functions; chiropractors are masters of the nervous system. Being proficient in physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, plus many more subjects pertaining to the working of the body, chiropractors complete over 4,200 credit hours. When compared side to side to a medical doctor’s education, there is very little difference, though they do not learn surgery or pharmaceuticals. In addition to having a year and a half of clinicals, they even have a “residency” at the end of their schooling. Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same organization that issues accreditation for medical schools.
What Conditions Does Chiropractic Treat?
Many conditions affecting the nervous system and musculoskeletal system are treated by chiropractors. For any kind of muscle, bone or joint pain or dysfunction, a chiropractor is a doctor who cares these areas. The most common reasons for a chiropractic adjustment include the following list below.
– Neck pain.
– Muscle pain.
– Lower back pain.
– Headaches.
Chiropractic Care & Therapy in Fort Collins, CO (Just Minutes from Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Wellington, Colorado)
Anywhere in your body, such as in your head and jaws, elbows, shoulders, and wrists, hips and pelvis and your knees and ankles, chiropractors such as Revelation Chiropractic can treat musculoskeletal pain as well. Call Revelation Chiropractic and let us help you find relief.
