Which Type of Doctor Should I See?

Understanding what a chiropractor does and how we work with other providers

When you’re dealing with pain — whether it’s your back, neck, shoulder, or joints — one of the first questions is:

“Which type of doctor should I see?”

There are many options: medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and more. Understanding the role of each can help you make the best decision for your condition and recovery.

What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a licensed physician trained to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions — problems involving nerves, muscles, joints, discs, and connective tissue.

Before becoming a chiropractor, students typically complete:

• A Bachelor’s degree (3–4 years)
• Followed by 4 years of doctoral-level chiropractic education
• 4 National board examinations
• State licensing requirements
• Ongoing yearly continuing education

The chiropractic doctoral curriculum is heavily focused on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, diagnosis, and conservative treatment.

What do chiropractors study?

Chiropractic students complete extensive coursework in medical sciences, including:

• Gross Anatomy (with cadaver dissection)
• Neuroanatomy
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Radiology / Imaging interpretation
• Biomechanics
• Spinal anatomy
• Musculoskeletal diagnosis
• Rehabilitation
• Clinical diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis
• Bone and joint pathology

Hours comparison (Chiropractic vs Medical training focus)

While medical doctors receive broader training across all systems and disease management, chiropractic education typically includes more classroom hours focused on musculoskeletal diagnosis and anatomy.

Approximate comparisons often cited in curricula:

• Anatomy
  Chiropractors: ~570+ hours
  Medical Doctors: ~400 hours
• Neuroanatomy / Neurology
  Chiropractors: ~300+ hours
  Medical Doctors: ~200 hours
• Radiology & Imaging
  Chiropractors: ~270+ hours
  Medical Doctors: ~100–150 hours (varies widely by program)
• Orthopedics / Musculoskeletal diagnosis
  Chiropractors: Extensive curriculum focus
  Medical Doctors: Typically covered but often less specialized unless pursuing orthopedics

Both professions are highly trained — but the focus of training differs.

• Medical doctors: disease management, pharmacology, surgery
• Chiropractors: conservative neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment

How chiropractors treat patients

Chiropractors, like any other doctor, begin with a diagnosis. Treatment is then given based upon the diagnosis, focused on conservative, non-invasive care, including:

• Joint manipulation / mobilization
• Soft tissue therapy
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Movement correction
• Postural care
• Activity modification
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Injury prevention strategies

The goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and support natural healing without surgery or invasive procedures whenever appropriate.

When other types of care may be needed

Chiropractic care is often a great first-line approach, but there are times when a different level of care is necessary.

Depending on severity and diagnosis, patients may require:

• Medication
• Injections
• Advanced imaging
• Pain management
• Surgical consultation
• Specialist referral
• Co-management with medical providers

Recognizing when to refer is an important part of responsible patient care. The goal is always to make sure patients receive the right care at the right time.

Chiropractors and physical therapists work together

There’s sometimes a misconception that chiropractors and physical therapists compete or disagree. In reality, our goals are the same: helping patients recover.

Both professions provide:

• Conservative care
• Movement-based treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Functional improvement
• Injury prevention

Chiropractic care often focuses on:

• Joint mechanics
• Spinal movement
• Neurologic function

Physical therapy often focuses on:

• Strengthening
• Mobility
• Motor control
• Functional rehabilitation

Together, these approaches can complement each other and improve outcomes.

So… which doctor should you see?

That depends on your condition.

You may consider a chiropractor if you have:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint pain
• Disc problems
• Headaches
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Mobility limitations

You may need co-management if:

• Pain is severe
• There is significant trauma
• Neurological symptoms are present
• Symptoms are not improving
• Imaging is required
• Surgical evaluation may be necessary

The bottom line……

Choosing the right provider isn’t about one being better than another — it’s about matching the right doctor to the right condition.

Chiropractors are highly trained in diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal problems using conservative, non-invasive care, and when needed, we work collaboratively with medical doctors, specialists, and physical therapists to ensure the best outcome.

The focus is always the same:

Accurate diagnosis. Appropriate treatment. Better recovery.