What is the difference between an Osteopathic Physician and a Chiropractor?
The largest difference between an Osteopathic physician and a chiropractor is the training of the practitioner. An Osteopathic physician is a licensed physician who has completed four years of medical school, residency training (1 to 6 years) and numerous years of additional training in this specialty. They are required to complete 120-150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. A chiropractor is not a licensed physician and has not completed residency training in a hospital. In addition, the philosophies are different. Traditionally, chiropractic is oriented more toward manipulating specific vertebrae and making sure the spine is aligned. Osteopaths believe that it is more than just vertebral movement. Osteopaths believe that structure and function are interrelated. They work with the muscles, bones ligaments, nervous system, fluids of the body, and innate healing forces. They strive to treat the patient as a whole unit of structure and function.
