Are chiropractors "real doctors?"

Maybe you've heard someone say chiropractors aren't "real" doctors. 

When we break down the actual schooling that both disciplines receive, they are strikingly similar.  In fact, as far as the sciences go, chiropractic educational curriculum is almost identical. Anatomy, physiology, neurology, etc. are intense and thorough. Diagnostic courses are also pretty much the same. 

The main split occurs when medical doctors learn more about pharmacology whereas chiropractors learn more about nutrition and physiotherapies. 

Chiropractors are also required to pass all four parts of the National Board exams as well as any state board exams where they practice. 

There are fourteen chiropractic colleges in the U.S. and some of them also offer concurrent bachelors degrees along with the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. 

You can rest assured that your chiropractor has undergone and thorough and lengthy educational and training program to be able to properly diagnose and treat your problems, or refer you to another type of doctor if necessary. 

Author

David Cox, D.C. Dr. David Cox is Little Elm's Original Chiropractor! Passionately serving the area since 2001, he has been in Little Elm since it was a "one stop light town!"