How does a Chiropractor Differ from a Medical Doctor?
Chiropractors and medical doctors are vastly different in their treatments and methods of pain and illness. The most significant difference is that medical doctors use medication and surgery to solve problems, while chiropractors use natural methods using no drugs, medication or surgery.
Of course, chiropractors are not miracle workers and cannot solve every problem; nor can a medical doctor, but there are instances when drugs or surgery is the only option. An examination by a chiropractor for things like faulty metabolism, excess spinal fluid, or defective nerve fibers, for which they will not be able to provide effective treatment and you may need to see a medical doctor.
Chiropractics was founded in 1895 by Dr. Daniel Palmer, a Canadian who settled in Iowa. He believed that all illness and disease could be cured by simply adjusting your vertebrae and that all illness was caused by your central nervous system. The term chiropractics comes from the Greek language and means ‘done by hand.’ It is said that Dr. Palmer was able to heal a deaf patient by just adjusting his vertebrae!
Chiropractics takes a holistic approach to healing. This differs from a medical doctor, as an MD will only treat the part of your body that needs relief. Chiropractors believe that when your spine is properly aligned, your nerves, organs, tissues, and appendages like your hands, feet, arms, and legs will feel less pain, pressure and spasms. Once your spine is in balance your body can naturally heal itself of illness.
Medical students and chiropractic students start out with similar studies; many chiropractic students even visit hospitals and do rounds with the medical students. It is in the third and fourth years that the studies vary widely. Medical students will study such things as pharmaceuticals and surgery procedures; chiropractors will study things like physiology and biochemistry. The length of study for both medical doctors and chiropractors are similar, including internship. A medical doctor has an “MD” beside his or name; a chiropractor has a “DC” beside his or her name.
Chiropractors offer an excellent alternative to those who want a more natural, holistic approach to easing pain and illness.