When you’re dealing with chronic pain, injury, or a health condition that affects your daily life, choosing the right provider matters. Many patients find themselves asking an important question: “Should I see a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or a Medical Doctor (MD)?” While both are highly trained healthcare professionals, their education, philosophy, and approach to care differ significantly.
If you’ve ever searched for a “Chiropractor in Lakewood” or have compared treatment options for back pain, neck pain, or nerve-related conditions, understanding these credentials can help you make confident, informed decisions about your health.
What Is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)?
A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors focus on how spinal alignment, joint function, and nervous system health affect the body’s ability to heal and function optimally.
Chiropractic care is grounded in a conservative, non-invasive philosophy. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, DCs aim to identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction and correct it through hands-on treatment and personalized care plans.
Common conditions treated by chiropractors include:
- Back pain and low back pain
- Neck pain and whiplash injuries
- Sciatica and nerve compression
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Postural imbalances
- Joint pain in the shoulders, hips, and knees
What Is a Medical Doctor (MD)?
A Medical Doctor (MD) is trained in conventional medicine and focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing disease using medications, surgical interventions, and hospital-based care when necessary. MDs are essential in acute care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and managing complex or life-threatening conditions.
Medical doctors often treat symptoms through pharmaceuticals or procedures, which can be lifesaving and necessary in many situations. Their training emphasizes pathology, disease processes, and the utilization of evidence-based medical interventions.
MDs commonly manage:
- Infections and systemic illnesses
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease
- Trauma and emergency conditions
- Surgical needs
- Medication management
Educational Differences: DC vs. MD
Both DCs and MDs complete rigorous postgraduate education, but their training paths differ significantly.
Doctor of Chiropractic Education
- 4-year undergraduate degree (typically science-based)
- 4-year doctoral chiropractic program
- Over 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical training
- Extensive focus on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, radiology, and spinal health
- National board exams and state licensure
Chiropractic students receive in-depth training in spinal manipulation, manual therapy, diagnostic imaging, and conservative care techniques.
Medical Doctor Education
- 4-year undergraduate degree
- 4-year medical school program
- 3–7 years of residency training
- Board certification in a chosen specialty
Medical training focuses heavily on pharmacology, surgery, diagnostics, and disease management.
Differences in Treatment Philosophy
One of the biggest distinctions between DCs and MDs is how they approach treatment.
Chiropractic Philosophy
Chiropractors emphasize:
- The body’s natural ability to heal itself
- Restoring proper spinal alignment and joint motion
- Addressing the root cause of pain
- Drug-free and surgery-free care whenever possible
Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, corrective exercises, and lifestyle recommendations are common tools used to support long-term healing.
Medical Model Philosophy
Medical doctors often prioritize:
- Symptom relief
- Medication as a primary treatment tool
- Surgical intervention when conservative care fails
This approach is highly effective for acute conditions, infections, and serious diseases but may not always address biomechanical causes of pain.
When Should You See a Chiropractor?
Seeing a chiropractor is often ideal if you are experiencing:
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Limited mobility or stiffness
- Numbness, tingling, or nerve-related symptoms
- Pain following a car accident or sports injury
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Poor posture or repetitive strain injuries
Chiropractic care is particularly valuable for patients seeking natural pain relief, enhanced mobility, and long-term solutions that do not rely on medications.
When Is an MD the Right Choice?
A medical doctor is the right provider when:
- You have a medical emergency
- There are signs of infection, fracture, or systemic disease
- Surgery or prescription medication is required
- You need specialized medical testing or hospital care
In many cases, MDs and DCs work best together, co-managing patients for optimal outcomes.
Can Chiropractors and Medical Doctors Work Together?
Absolutely. Modern healthcare is increasingly collaborative, and integrated care models are becoming the gold standard for treating musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions.
Many patients benefit from:
- Medical imaging ordered by an MD
- Chiropractic care for structural correction
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lifestyle and ergonomic coaching
This team-based approach ensures both symptom management and functional recovery.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs
The best provider depends on your condition, goals, and preferences. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, limited movement, or injuries that haven’t improved with medication alone, chiropractic care may offer the missing piece.
A qualified chiropractor doesn’t just treat pain, they assess posture, movement patterns, spinal alignment, and nervous system function to create a customized plan for lasting relief.
Integrated Care at Denver Integrated Spine Center
At Denver Integrated Spine Center, patients receive the best of both worlds: evidence-based chiropractic care combined with a comprehensive, patient-first approach. Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause of pain, not just chasing symptoms.
By combining advanced diagnostics, hands-on chiropractic techniques, soft tissue therapies, and personalized rehabilitation strategies, Denver Integrated Spine Center helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love, both safely and naturally.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Relief?
If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want a clear path toward long-term healing, it’s time to explore your options. Whether you’re new to chiropractic care or searching for a trusted provider, our team is here to help.
Book an appointment with Denver Integrated Spine Center today and take the first step toward lasting relief, improved function, and better overall health. Trust us, your spine — and your future self — will thank you.
Denver Integrated Spine Center has the best chiropractors in Denver and Lakewood. The city’s premier multidisciplinary injury recovery and rehabilitation center. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, shoulder pain, limited mobility, headaches or neck pain, weakness in your hands, or any other common injuries affecting your musculoskeletal structure, our experienced team of local chiropractors, massage therapists, and medical professionals can help.