What is the difference between Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) and Doctors of Medicine (MD)?
I am often asked what kind of schooling I went through to become a chiropractor. I’ve even been referred to as a “fake doctor,” because obviously MD’s are the “real doctors.” I understand that a chiropractor’s education isn’t within most people’s common knowledge. I also understand that our culture and society are heavily programmed to turn towards medicine or surgery whenever something is “wrong” in the body AND, I also understand that Chiropractor’s are a minority in a world of pharmaceuticals, medicine, and Doctors of Medicine.
The largest difference between DC’s and MD’s is that DC’s are focused on the creation of health and maintaining it, while MD’s are focused on the treatment of disease. Chiropractor’s use their skill or their “art-form” to analyze, locate, and adjust areas of the spine and body with nerve interference so that your body can heal from within. Chiropractors in Charleston, SC remove the barriers so that you can heal better. Sometimes I like to call myself a Chiropractic Healer because that is exactly what I am. MD’s prescribe and perform surgery, and there is a time and place for that. Thank God we have them, however, you are still required to heal whether you take prescription drugs or have surgery no matter what. Chiropractors adjust so that your innate ability to heal is set free to do exactly that, HEAL.
Education & Training: Where DCs and MDs Are Similar
Chiropractors just like MD’s have to get their Bachelors Degree at college/university. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, both DC’s and MD’s begin their Doctorate Program. Chiropractors receive their doctorate in 3.5 years of a year-round schooling. MD’s usually go to school for 4 years by semesters. Chiropractors see patients in a clinic in their last year of school. They provide chiropractic care while under the surveillance of a Licensed Chiropractor. MD’s have their residency under the surveillance of Licensed MD’s.
On day one of Chiropractic school, students start learning about the spine, the nervous system, and how to palpate (feel) it. Chiropractor’s can safely say that their knowledge of the spine and nervous system is EXTREMELY in depth as to I do not believe that MD’s start learning the spine and nervous system on day one of school and continue with that throughout their entire doctorate program. Chiropractor’s take all of the “doctor” classes such as anatomy, neurology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, psychology, radiology, pathology, diagnosis, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, physical therapy on top of all the other classes that are an in-depth analysis of every single aspect of the spine, the nervous system, as well as chiropractic techniques.
Chiropractors are required to pass National Board Exams. There are 5 total exams that are taken throughout the chiropractic schooling program, and you cannot practice in the USA without passing your National Board Exams. After passing National Boards, then Chiropractors must test and pass the state’s requirements to be able to practice in that state.
When I was in Chiropractic school at Sherman College of Chiropractic, it was impossible to get a part-time job because I was in class from 9 - 5pm, Monday - Friday, and then I went home to study and prepare for the quizzes, tests, and the plethora of materials I learned that day. My anatomy class had cadavers that we directed, and I was required to be able to perform hands on diagnosis of the liver, the kidneys, heart, the spleen, GI tract, eyes, nose, ears, skin, feet, legs, arms, shoulders…basically the entire body! Chiropractic school was a full-time with overtime job. It was very taxing on my entire being and there wasn’t much time left for anything else.
DCs and MDs Explained
I’m not saying that MD’s aren’t overwhelmed with knowledge and practical skills to treat patients during their schooling process, because they totally are, however their skillset doesn’t enable you to heal like chiropractors do. A huge portion of a Doctor of Medicine’s schooling is pharmaceuticals because in Western Medicine, the medicine is that of major pharmaceutical corporations. I believe that there is a time and a place for the usage of pharmaceuticals, however, pharmaceuticals often create side effects and they do not heal you. They simply “band-aide” the issue.
Surgery is also within the scope of practice for MD’s, however, you still have to heal from surgery. Chiropractic helps you heal, so whatever path you have chosen to get better, still requires healing.
Chiropractors look first to the spine for the cause of disease. We want to find the cause, rather than treat the symptom. If you are experiencing symptoms anywhere in the body, then you definitely should see a chiropractor! Chiropractors however are not treating the symptoms even though you often feel better after getting adjusted. Technically chiropractors aren’t even making you feel better, we are making you heal better. Healing better frequently results in less pain.
This blog is not meant to discriminate again MD’s. They are very necessary! If your break your leg, you should definitely go to the Orthopedist and not the chiropractor. If you’re having a heart attack, then go to the ER. I’ve actually had 3 separate knee surgeries from soccer injuries in my past. I see a dentist for my oral health as well. I will send out patients to the necessary MD depending on what they are going through to get diagnostic tests that confirm conditions and diseases. Just know that Chiropractors are “real doctors” but that they are different. Chiropractors are supportive to your healing, health, and ultimately your well-being. How you nourish your wellness today, will reflect in your health tomorrow.
Why the DC vs. MD Question Comes Up So Often
In modern culture, most people are conditioned to seek medical care only when something feels “wrong.” Pain, symptoms, or dysfunction often lead directly to prescriptions, diagnostic testing, or surgical recommendations. Because this model is so dominant, other forms of healthcare—especially those focused on prevention and function—can be misunderstood or undervalued.
Chiropractors are a minority within a pharmaceutical-driven healthcare system, which naturally raises questions. Many people simply haven’t been exposed to how chiropractic works, what chiropractors study, or the philosophy behind chiropractic care. Asking questions is not skepticism—it’s curiosity—and education is the best place to start.
Philosophical Differences: Disease Management vs. Health Creation
One of the most important distinctions between DCs and MDs lies in their foundational approach to healthcare.
Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are primarily trained to diagnose and treat disease. Their tools include pharmaceuticals, surgery, and emergency intervention—essential and life-saving methods when used appropriately.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are trained to focus on function, nervous system health, and the body’s innate ability to heal when interference is removed.
Chiropractic does not reject medicine. Instead, it complements it by addressing how well the body is functioning—not just what diagnosis it carries.
To better understand this distinction, it helps to hear directly from a chiropractor’s lived experience.
Why Chiropractic Focuses on the Spine and Nervous System
The spine protects the spinal cord, which is the main communication pathway between the brain and the body. When spinal joints are restricted or misaligned, nerve communication can be disrupted, affecting how the body functions and adapts.
By restoring motion and reducing interference, chiropractic adjustments help the body communicate more efficiently—allowing natural healing processes to occur without force or suppression.
Healing Still Has to Happen: No Matter the Path
Whether someone chooses medication, surgery, chiropractic care, or a combination of approaches, one truth remains: the body does the healing.
Chiropractic does not claim to cure disease. Instead, it supports the conditions necessary for healing to take place. It is often reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life as a result.
Find a great chiropractor, such as myself, Dr. Sarah K. Wharton, to be there on your journey towards health. As always, thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon at downtown Charleston’s Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness. Until next time, stay healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do chiropractors train compared to MDs?
Chiropractors complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a 3.5–4 year doctoral chiropractic program with year-round coursework. MDs also complete a bachelor’s degree and attend medical school for about four years, followed by residency. Both paths require extensive post-graduate education, but they differ in focus and clinical application.
Do DCs have clinical training like MDs?
Yes, chiropractors receive hands-on clinical training during their doctoral program under licensed chiropractors. They evaluate and treat patients in supervised clinical settings before graduation. MDs complete clinical training through hospital-based residencies after medical school.
Do chiropractors focus only on back pain?
No, chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system, which influence the function of the entire body. While back pain is common, chiropractic care also addresses neck pain, headaches, joint dysfunction, posture issues, and nervous system-related conditions.
Is chiropractic care evidence-based?
Yes, chiropractic care is evidence-based and supported by research, particularly for conditions like low back pain, neck pain, and certain headaches. Clinical guidelines often recommend chiropractic care as a conservative, non-invasive treatment option before medication or surgery.
Are DCs licensed healthcare providers?
Yes, chiropractors are licensed healthcare providers in all 50 U.S. states. They must pass national board examinations and meet state-specific licensing requirements to practice legally.