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 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.
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.
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.
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!