Are Chiropractors Doctors? Here’s What You Need to Know

A common question people ask is: Are chiropractors doctors? The short answer is yes! Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. While they are not medical doctors (M.D.s), they are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal care.

Education and Training
Chiropractors complete undergraduate studies, followed by 4–5 years of chiropractic school, which includes clinical rotations, anatomy, neurology, radiology, and hands-on adjusting techniques. In total, chiropractors complete thousands of hours of training before they graduate.

Licensing and Regulation
Every chiropractor must pass rigorous national board exams and meet state licensing requirements before practicing. This ensures that patients receive safe, standardized care.

How Chiropractors Differ from Medical Doctors
Medical doctors often focus on prescribing medications or performing surgery. Chiropractors take a non-invasive approach, using spinal adjustments, lifestyle guidance, and nervous system care to help the body heal naturally.

Why This Matters for Patients
If you’re seeking relief from back pain, headaches, or stress, seeing a chiropractor means working with a licensed doctor who specializes in restoring motion and function — without drugs or surgery.

“Patients sometimes ask if we’re ‘real doctors.’ The truth is, chiropractors are trained as spine and nervous system specialists, and our goal is to restore health in the most natural way possible.” — Dr. Saeed Hafez

FAQs

Are chiropractors considered real doctors?
Yes. Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), licensed to diagnose and treat conditions related to the spine, joints, and nervous system.

Are chiropractors medical doctors?
No. Chiropractors are not M.D.s, but they complete extensive doctoral-level training specific to chiropractic care.

Do chiropractors go to medical school?
No. They attend chiropractic colleges, which focus on anatomy, biomechanics, neurology, radiology, and clinical practice.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Yes. When performed by licensed chiropractors, adjustments are safe and effective for most people.

Can chiropractors prescribe medication?
In most states, chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs. Their focus is on non-invasive care like adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle guidance.