A common misconception today is that a ‘real’ doctor is one who prescribes drugs or performs surgery. This is true of a medical doctor (MD), but a chiropractor (DC) is also a doctor, just with a different philosophy and skill set. Both MDs and DCs must go through extensive post-graduate schooling and receive degrees from government accredited medical or chiropractic colleges. Doctors of both professions must also pass a rigorous set of national board exams in order to become licensed to practice. The similarities in schooling are what qualify both as doctors, but the underlying philosophy of both professions is where the true differences lie:
| CHIROPRACTIC CARE | MEDICAL TREAMENT |
| Sees the person with the disease | Sees disease |
| Nerve based | Blood based |
| Corrects cause | Treats symptoms |
| Gives adjustments to remove nervous system interference and promote proper body function | Prescribes drugs or performs surgery to eliminate symptoms |
There is an obvious distinction between the two professions; however, each type of doctor is necessary at different times. In emergency or life-threatening conditions you want the life-saving measures of medical treatment, but if you have chronic, persistent health problems or are simply interested in a better quality of life you should consider choosing chiropractic care to help you optimize your health!