Chiropractic vs. Medical Practitioners

Chiropractic care is a discipline that has been practiced for some time and has gained conflicting reviews from different perspectives. Many people ask whether it is the same as other medical technique. There is also the matter of determining who is more and better trained between chiropractor and a medical doctor. Medical practitioner is overstated in most circumstances and chiropractic care is treated with some contempt. But could this be because of lack of sufficient information? It is always good to examine the two sides of the coin before making any conclusion. Here a few things to consider from Active Family Chiropractic and Overland Park chiropractor, Chad Welter:

Educational requirement of chiropractor vs. doctors

These are the mandatory requirements that are need for one to join as medical school or Chiropractic College. The requirements usually differ from one school to another. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a needed for all medical students, but not necessarily for Chiropractic College. But at the base level most medical school always require minimum undergraduate requirements. These are those that are met by both medical doctors and chiropractors. For their class work, chiropractor put in 372 more hours than medical doctors on disciplines like anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and orthopedics.

Licensing of chiropractor vs. medical practitioners

In order to get board certification chiropractors have to pass four levels of national board examinations. These examinations include physical therapy exams. After which they can sit for state board exams that encompass both written and oral practical exams. They may then undergo postgraduate training to be certified as neurologists, orthopedists, internists, sports physician or pain management strategist. This process is also open for medical physicians.

The length of courses

For one to be awarded the doctor of chiropractor, it takes about 8 years in university. Both doctors and chiropractor are requires to have a mandatory one-year internship. For undergraduate course both range from 4-5 years. Therefore both the chiropractor and the doctor spend almost the same time in the university.

Difference in treatment techniques

While doctor operate under a large scope of treatment; chiropractor are specialized in chiropractic techniques. Chiropractors are trained to use at least 20 different treatment procedures on their patience. They are concerned with the manipulation of the spine to attain pain relief and curative effects. Most medical doctors are specialists in different aspect and may in some cases be limited.

The scope of practice

Chiropractors in some states are not allowed to prescribe medicine. Their scope of practice is in diagnosis and alignment of misaligned or displaced vertebrae by use of hand manipulation. Doctors are allowed to prescribe medicine and carry out extensive surgery.

Conclusion

In candidly looking at these differences you will appreciate that chiropractic technique and use has a role to play. The chiropractors are also sufficiently trained in chiropractic care.