Both chiropractors and medical doctors require a great deal of educational training. A medical doctor can treat most any type of disease. A chiropractor treats musculoskeletal health concerns as well as the effects of those problems on the nervous system and general health.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic theory says that spinal joint misalignments affect and interfere with the nervous system, which can hamper the immune system. This can create more susceptibility to disease and other conditions. Chiropractors adjust the spine so the body can begin to heal itself naturally.
Chiropractic Education
Chiropractic college offers all of the same courses medical school offers, with an emphasis on anatomy, embryology, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, X-Ray and diagnosis. Total hours for all courses is 2,497. Applicants to chiropractic college need at minimum 90 semester hours of undergraduate study, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. .
MD
The average medical doctor is trained to diagnose and treat a patient's symptoms. Medical doctors practice allopathic, or traditional medicine. Although there are doctors who include in their treatments preventative measures like diet and exercise, the primary way medical doctors treat disease is with medicine or surgery.
Medical Education
Medical school provides extensive training in pathology, obstetrics, gynecology, psychology and psychiatry. Overall medical school educational hours are 2,047. Medical school applicants need at minimum three years of college, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Features
Both offer effective healing modalities. Chiropractors have a holistic approach and use a variety of alternative healing treatment options. MDs generally specialize in one branch of medicine and are very knowledgeable in that area. They may be more limited in treatment options. Medical doctors can prescribe medicine and chiropractors cannot.
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