Dr. Craig Castanet

Are chiropractors the same as medical doctors?

No. Each profession has its own focus and methods of practice.  Medical doctors can prescribe medications and perform surgery, although most are not trained in surgery. 

Chiropractors have always specialized in the non-surgical, and non-medication treatment of spinal problems.  Many chiropractors also treat the entire body, and some also treat non-musculoskeletal problems. 

For example, I am trained in something called functional medicine, which is training in systemic diseases, using labwork evaluation and natural supplements, to resolve and essentially cure disease.  Not just manage your disease for profit, but resolve your disease. 

Chiropractors vary in their methods of practice. Most are focused on spinal and other musculoskeletal problems. And chiropractors do not want to, nor are they trained, in pharmacotherapy/medications as a means of treatment for patients. Chiropractors, also, are not trained in invasive procedures such as injections and surgery.

Other than that, there is much overlap between chiropractors and musculoskeletal specialist medical doctors. Both doctors use physical medicine procedures as defined in the Current Procedural Terminology manual.