What is the difference between Osteopathic Medicine and Chiropractic?
Although many Chiropractors relieve such ailments as low back pain and headaches, there are distinct differences between the two professions. To begin, Osteopathic Physicians (DO’s) are fully licensed Physicians having graduated from an accredited Osteopathic Medical College and fulfilling all requirements for unrestricted medical practice and licensure. Osteopathic Physicians are found within all specialty fields of Medicine and Surgery. Although the majority of Osteopathic Physicians are Family Doctors, many are Obstetricians, Pediatricians, Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Emergency Department Doctors, Cardiologists, etc. Osteopathic Physicians are required to complete an internship and residency which varies between 3-8 years depending upon the area of specialization. Osteopathic Physicians perform surgery, prescribe medication and diagnostic testing when necessary and appropriate. Speaking specifically of the “manipulative” component, unlike Chiropractic which focuses mainly on spinal man
