08/24/2026
What's the difference between MD's and DC's?
Chiropractors and medical doctors differ primarily in their training, treatment approaches, and scope of practice, with chiropractors focusing on musculoskeletal health and medical doctors addressing a broader range of medical conditions.
*Training and Education
Chiropractors: They earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which typically requires a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Their education emphasizes anatomy, physiology, and manipulative techniques, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractors do not attend medical school and are not required to complete a residency program, although they can pursue post-graduate training in specialized areas.
Medical Doctors: Medical doctors (M.D.s) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) complete a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, which also requires a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year medical program. Afterward, they must complete a residency program lasting between three to seven years, depending on their specialty.
*Scope of Practice
Chiropractors: They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Their treatment methods often include manual adjustments, physical therapy, and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors are generally not authorized to prescribe medications, although they can recommend certain natural supplements and over-the-counter medications in some states.
Medical Doctors: M.D.s and D.O.s are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, including acute and chronic diseases. They can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide comprehensive medical care across various specialties, such as pediatrics, cardiology, and surgery.