Chiropractic myths are just that: fables, stories, tales

Chiropractors are not real doctors

A chiropractic college grants a D.C. or Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. Every chiropractic college grants a Doctorate of chiropractic degree and the chiropractic and medical school curricula are extremely rigorous and virtually identical. In fact, chiropractors have more hours of classroom education than medical counterparts and chiropractic students also complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states where they want to practice.

Tested, licensed and monitored by state and national peer-review boards, chiropractors are also commissioned as officers in the military. Federal and state programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Compensations programs cover chiropractic care, and all federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic.

The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors lies in their preferred method of caring for people. Medical doctors are trained in the use of prescription medicines that affect the body’s internal biochemistry. Chiropractors provide physical solutions—adjustments, exercises, stretches, muscle therapy—to help the body heal from physical conditions such as back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, and poor posture. Another distinction is the fact that it is completely appropriate to receive chiropractic care even if you do not have symptoms. Unlike standard medical doctors, whom you visit when you have a symptom to be treated, chiropractors offer adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall well-being before symptoms develop.

Medical doctors don't like chiropractors

The American Medical Association's opposition to chiropractic was at its strongest in the 1940s.

In the 20 years since the American Medical Association was found guilty of conspiracy against chiropractic doctors, the opinion of most medical doctors has changed when it comes to chiropractic treatment. Hospitals across the country now have chiropractors on staff. Chiropractors and medical doctors are now much more comfortable working together in cases where medical care is necessary as an adjunct to chiropractic care.

Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going

Ongoing chiropractic treatment maintains the health of your meuromusculoskeletal system.

Your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime.