Is a Chiropractor a Real Doctor? Understanding DC Degrees, Training & Scope
Yes, chiropractors are doctors—but they are not medical doctors (MDs). Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and are trained to evaluate and manage many musculoskeletal conditions within the scope allowed by their state license.
Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and receive hands-on training focused on the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. So, what exactly does a chiropractor study, how does their training compare with an MD, and what kind of care can they provide? Understanding these differences can help you know what to expect from chiropractic care and decide whether a chiropractor may be the right choice for your needs.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Yes, chiropractors are doctors—but they are not medical doctors. Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree after completing specialized education and hands-on clinical training. Their education focuses heavily on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, and movement.
Chiropractors are licensed to diagnose and treat many musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine and movement. Their goal is to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness through non-surgical and drug-free treatments.
How Chiropractors Are Doctors
People often wonder why chiropractors use the title Dr. The reason is simple—they have earned a doctoral-level degree in chiropractic care and meet state licensing requirements to practice.
To become a chiropractor, students typically complete:
Undergraduate prerequisite courses
A four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program
Clinical internships and hands-on patient training
National board examinations
Continuing education throughout their careers
This education prepares chiropractors to safely evaluate and treat patients within their scope of practice.
DC vs. MD: What’s the Difference?
Both chiropractors and medical doctors are trained healthcare professionals, but their education, areas of focus, and approaches to care are different.
A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) completes specialized education focused largely on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, and related areas. Chiropractic care commonly emphasizes conservative approaches such as spinal adjustments and other hands-on techniques, depending on the patient’s needs and the chiropractor’s state-defined scope of practice.
A Medical Doctor (MD) completes medical school followed by clinical training and may pursue additional specialty training. Medical doctors are trained to evaluate a broad range of health conditions and may use medications, procedures, or surgery when appropriate.
DC vs. MD at a Glance
Chiropractor (DC) | Medical Doctor (MD) | |
Degree | Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Primary focus | Musculoskeletal health, including the spine and joints | Broad medical care across the body |
Education | Specialized chiropractic education and clinical training | Medical school and clinical training |
Common approaches | Chiropractic adjustments and other conservative care within scope | Medications, procedures, surgery, and other medical treatments when appropriate |
Licensing | Must meet state licensing requirements | Must meet state medical licensing requirements |
Referrals | May refer patients when additional medical evaluation is needed | May refer patients to specialists or other healthcare professionals |
Does One Replace the Other?
Not necessarily. Chiropractic care and medical care can serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on the individual’s symptoms, health history, and care needs.
For musculoskeletal concerns such as certain types of back or neck discomfort, a chiropractor may be one option to consider. If symptoms require medical evaluation or treatment outside a chiropractor’s scope of practice, referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
The important thing is not whether a DC or MD is “better,” but whether the healthcare professional you see is qualified to address your specific concern and can recognize when additional care is needed.
Chiropractic Training vs Medical Doctor Training
One reason people ask Is a chiropractor a real doctor? is because they want to understand the educational differences.
Chiropractic Education
Chiropractic students study subjects such as:
Anatomy
Physiology
Neurology
Biomechanics
Orthopedics
Diagnostic imaging
Clinical diagnosis
Rehabilitation techniques
Their training focuses heavily on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Medical Doctor Education
Medical doctors complete medical school and residency programs that cover:
Internal medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Emergency medicine
Pharmacology
Cardiology
Multiple body systems and diseases
Both paths require years of education, but each profession specializes in different aspects of healthcare.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors commonly help patients with conditions that affect movement and physical function, including:
Lower back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica
Headaches
Joint stiffness
Sports injuries
Muscle tension
Shoulder pain
Hip pain
Poor posture
They may also recommend stretching exercises, strengthening programs, and lifestyle changes to support long-term health.
How Do Chiropractors Help?
Chiropractors use several techniques to improve mobility and reduce discomfort naturally.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal adjustments help restore proper joint movement and improve overall function.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Muscle and soft tissue treatments help reduce tension and improve circulation.
Exercise Programs
Personalized exercises strengthen the body and help prevent future problems.
Posture Education
Learning proper posture can reduce stress on the spine and improve daily comfort.
Lifestyle Advice
Many chiropractors provide guidance on movement, workplace ergonomics, and healthy habits.
What Does the Research Say About Chiropractic Care?
Research shows that chiropractic care may help manage several musculoskeletal conditions, especially:
Acute lower back pain
Chronic back pain
Neck pain
Certain types of headaches
Many healthcare guidelines recognize chiropractic treatment as a conservative option for managing pain and improving mobility when provided by licensed professionals.
Are Chiropractors Safe?
One of the most common questions people ask is, Are chiropractors safe?
For most healthy adults, chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified chiropractor.
Some patients may experience temporary:
Mild soreness
Muscle stiffness
Fatigue
These effects usually improve within a day or two. Serious complications are rare, and chiropractors are trained to recognize when patients should be referred for medical care.
Role of Chiropractors in Modern Healthcare
The role of chiropractors in modern healthcare continues to grow as more people seek natural and non-invasive treatment options.
Today, chiropractors often work alongside:
Primary care doctors
Physical therapists
Sports medicine specialists
Orthopedic providers
Rehabilitation professionals
This team-based approach helps patients receive comprehensive care that supports both pain relief and long-term wellness.
Advantages of Regular Chiropractic Visits
Regular chiropractic care may offer several benefits, including:
Better spinal mobility
Improved flexibility
Reduced muscle tension
Better posture
Enhanced physical function
Relief from recurring back and neck pain
Treatment plans are always personalized to meet individual goals and health needs.
Why People Ask If Chiropractors Are Doctors
Many people ask this question because chiropractors use the title Doctor but do not attend medical school.
The answer is straightforward. Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and are legally allowed to use the title Dr. However, they specialize in musculoskeletal health rather than general medicine or surgery.
Understanding this distinction helps patients appreciate the important role chiropractors play in healthcare.
Professional Chiropractic Care in Brandon, SD
If you're looking for expert chiropractic care to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall wellness, Fit For Life Chiropractor in Brandon, SD, provides personalized treatment designed to address the root cause of movement limitations and discomfort.
Led by Dr. Cody Kruckenberg, DC, the clinic combines evidence-based chiropractic techniques with movement-focused care to help patients stay active and healthy naturally.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with a focus on long-term results rather than temporary symptom relief.
Services Offered
Improve spinal mobility, restore joint function, and support healthy nervous system communication.
Posture Correction
Promotes better movement patterns and reduces stress on the spine and surrounding muscles.
Mobility & Flexibility Improvement
Helps patients move more comfortably and maintain long-term physical function.
Back & Neck Pain Relief
Personalized care plans designed to address common musculoskeletal concerns.
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Supports athletes in recovering safely and returning to peak performance.
Auto Injury & Whiplash Treatment
Provides targeted care to help patients recover after motor vehicle accidents.
Reduces muscle tension and improves soft tissue mobility.
Areas Served
Fit For Life Chiropractic proudly serves patients throughout:
Brandon, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Harrisburg, SD
Tea, SD
Baltic, SD
Dell Rapids, SD
Surrounding South Dakota communities
Book Your Appointment
Ready to improve your mobility and overall wellness? The team at Fit For Life Chiropractic is here to help with personalized, patient-focused care.
Location: Brandon, SD, United States
Phone: (605) 254-7735
Website: www.fitforlifesd.com
Author Bio
Dr. Cody Kruckenberg is the founder of Fit For Life Chiropractic and is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-focused chiropractic care that helps individuals improve movement, mobility, and long-term wellness naturally.
His passion for chiropractic began during his wrestling career, where he experienced firsthand how proper spinal health and movement-based care can improve performance and recovery.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Morningside College, Dr. Kruckenberg earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University.
He specializes in helping patients:
Reduce pain naturally
Restore flexibility and movement
Recover from sports and auto injuries
Improve posture and spinal function
Support long-term health and wellness
Through personalized treatment plans, Dr. Kruckenberg helps patients achieve lasting results without unnecessary surgery or long-term medication use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should chiropractors be called Dr.?
Yes. Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and are professionally entitled to use the title Dr.
Are chiropractors real doctors?
Yes. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals with doctoral-level education, although they are not medical doctors.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
For most people, chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
What do doctors think of chiropractors?
Many physicians support chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions, particularly lower back pain, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can a Chiropractor Diagnose You?
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate patients and identify many conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. During an appointment, a chiropractor may review your health history, perform a physical examination, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. When a condition falls outside their scope of practice or requires medical attention, they may recommend evaluation by another healthcare professional.
I was looking for a car accident injury clinic after my accident because the soreness in my shoulders was getting harder to ignore. Arrowhead Clinic made the first visit easy and took the time to explain what was causing the pain. I appreciated how attentive everyone was and felt like I was finally moving in the right direction.