07/17/2024
Food for though
Chiropractors focus more on the spine and on treating back, neck, and head pain. Osteopaths can treat many conditions but will also use body manipulation to restore alignment and relieve pain. Osteopaths may also be primary care providers in some cases and can prescribe medications, but Chiropractors cannot.
Osteopathic doctors (DOs) typically have more schooling and training than chiropractors. DOs attend medical school and complete residencies, while chiropractors attend specialized chiropractic programs.
Education: DOs complete four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school and three to eight years of clinical training. Chiropractors typically complete four years of undergraduate education and four years of chiropractic school.
Training: DOs receive training in integrated bodily systems and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. Chiropractors receive training in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, x-ray, and orthopedics, and focus on the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment focus: DOs emphasize treating the whole body, while chiropractors focus on manipulating the spine to alleviate back and joint problems.
Prescription rights: DOs can prescribe medications, while chiropractors cannot.
Surgical settings: DOs can work in surgical settings, while chiropractors cannot.
Post-graduate training: DOs complete residencies, while Chiropractors do not........
Osteopaths attend college and then osteopathic medical school, where they earn their doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. Following medical school, they complete 3–8 years of hands-on training in a clinical setting. They must also pass a board certification exam and receive a state license.
These professionals study the entire body and how body systems work together. They receive specialized training on muscles, nerves, and the skeletal system and learn to evaluate an individual’s lifestyle and environment as part of treatment. Osteopaths can prescribe medications. They may use stretching and body manipulation in the course of treatment.
Chiropractors attend college and then earn a 4-year doctor of chiropractic degree. They must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test and get a state-issued license
