Kim from Waterville writes to ask, "Are Chiropractors really doctors?"

The education of a chiropractor consists of a thorough pre-medical education, including classes such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry and physics, with extensive studies in the laboratory. Several states now require a B.S. degree in pre-medical biology before allowing the chiropractor to practice.

Once in chiropractic school the curriculum consists of extensive study in all branches of anatomy and physiology, diagnosis, pathology, biomechanics, adjusting techniques and radiology. The students then move into a clinically based education which instructs on the application of the basic sciences into a patient's care.

The next step is an internship at a large chiropractic clinic with supervised patient treatment in the form of (chiropractic) adjusting, x-rays, laboratory work-ups and physical therapy. Upon completion of the studies, including both undergraduate and professional, the average chiropractor has received a minimum of eight years of schooling.

After graduation, the doctor of chiropractic must take three major National Board Examinations and then individual state exams before becoming licensed to treat patients. The chiropractor must then continually attend educational classes to maintain their licensure. So, yes chiropractors are real doctors with their own specialty. Thank you for your question, Kim.

Original publication The Town Line newspaper South China, ME 04358
Information contained herein furnished by Nadeau Chiropractic Wellness Center, 2135 N. Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME