In today’s fast-paced world, when someone says “doctor,” most people picture a white-coated professional in a hospital, scribbling prescriptions or prepping for surgery as opposed to a doctor of chiropractic who is….just as qualified if not more competent in many instances.
It’s a deeply ingrained image, shaped by decades of media, education, and cultural norms. But what if I told you that this narrow view is limiting your access to effective, non-invasive healthcare? What if the doctor you need for your nagging back pain, persistent headaches, or mobility issues isn’t an MD at all, but a Doctor of Chiropractic?
It’s time to challenge that paradigm and explore what truly makes someone a competent physician—regardless of their specialty.
Let’s start by unpacking what we mean by “doctor.” Historically, the term comes from the Latin “docere,” meaning “to teach.” A doctor is someone who educates, diagnoses, and guides patients toward better health. Yet, society often equates doctors solely with Medical Doctors (MDs), overlooking other doctoral-level professionals like Doctors of Chiropractic.
This bias isn’t just unfair; it’s harmful. It dismisses highly trained experts who specialize in neurological, muscular, and skeletal conditions, often opting for drug-free, surgery-free solutions as a first line of defense.
Consider this: if you’re dealing with low back pain—a complaint that affects up to 80% of adults at some point—why rush to pills or invasive procedures when evidence shows that a Doctor of Chiropractic can provide relief that’s just as effective, with fewer risks?
A 2018 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open found that adding chiropractic care to usual medical treatment led to moderate improvements in pain intensity and disability for active-duty military personnel with low back pain.
This isn’t an outlier; it’s part of a growing body of research affirming the role of the Doctor of Chiropractic as a primary care provider. But let’s dig deeper into education, because that’s where misconceptions often start. Many assume Doctors of Chiropractic have less rigorous training than MDs. The reality? Both paths demand exceptional commitment.
A Doctor of Chiropractic typically completes a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of chiropractic school—totaling over 4,200 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience. This includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, and biomechanics, often exceeding the hours MDs spend in similar foundational subjects.
In fact, a comparative study highlights that chiropractic education mirrors medical education in basic sciences, but diverges to emphasize hands-on, conservative care over pharmacology and surgery.
Goetz, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist turned Doctor of Chiropractic, emphasizes the holistic training that prepares these professionals for real-world challenges, from sports performance to chronic pain management.
Now, challenge your own beliefs: Why do we reserve the title of “real doctor” for those who prescribe drugs or cut open bodies? Is it because we’ve been conditioned to value quick fixes over sustainable healing? Peer-reviewed studies from the last seven years paint a different picture. A 2021 review in Frontiers in Pain Research concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)—a core technique used by Doctors of Chiropractic—is as effective as other recommended therapies for non-specific chronic spine pain, including medical care.
Similarly, a 2024 systematic review in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that patients initiating care with a Doctor of Chiropractic for spine-related pain incurred lower downstream healthcare costs compared to those starting with medical management.
So, where do we fall short as a society? It’s in expecting every doctor to fit the MD mold. A competent physician, whether MD or Doctor of Chiropractic, isn’t defined by tools like heat, ice, stim, or quick adjustments—the infamous “flying 7” maneuver that’s more gimmick than medicine. True competence lies in a thorough exam, accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plan, execution, and quantifiable results. Not all doctors are the same; an MD who rushes through appointments without listening is no better than a Doctor of Chiropractic who skips diagnostics for rote adjustments.
Take musculoskeletal pain, for instance. A 2025 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy affirmed that SMT reduces pain and disability to the same degree as education and exercise for lower back issues.
Doctors of Chiropractic excel here because their training focuses on the root causes—misalignments, imbalances, and lifestyle factors—rather than masking symptoms. In Goetz’s “The Heartfelt Truth on Fat” from The American Chiropractor (2015), he discusses how nutritional and structural interventions by Doctors of Chiropractic can address systemic issues like dyslipidemia and hypertension, broadening their scope beyond just spines.
Influencing change starts with you, the reader. Next time you feel that twinge in your neck or ache in your joints, don’t default to the ER or pharmacy. Call a competent Doctor of Chiropractic first. Why? Because evidence from a 2024 meta-analysis in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies shows SMT’s benefits for migraines, reducing pain days and intensity.
A 2025 systematic review in Systematic Reviews further supports SMT for acute neck pain, improving range of motion and decreasing disability safely.
But autonomy and respect aren’t automatic; they require paradigm shifts. A 2008 article in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (updated in discussions through 2024) argues that for chiropractic to gain mainstream respect, it must emphasize evidence-based practice and cultural authority.
Today, with integrations like VA residencies for Doctors of Chiropractic in 2025, we’re seeing progress—residents engage in research and interdisciplinary care, proving their value.
Challenging your views means recognizing that Doctors of Chiropractic are primary care specialists for an array of conditions where drugs and surgery should be last resorts. A 2022 Healthline review notes chiropractic’s efficacy for low back pain, backed by systematic studies.
They’re trained to refer when needed, respecting the full healthcare ecosystem. Not every Doctor of Chiropractic is created equal, just like not every MD is.
Seek those who quantify progress—using tools like patient-reported outcomes or functional assessments. A 2019 Harvard Health piece reinforces that chiropractic alignment improves function and aids self-healing.
In conclusion, it’s time to expand your definition of a doctor. A Doctor of Chiropractic isn’t a secondary option; they’re often the smartest first call for neurological, muscular, and skeletal woes.
