I read with interest an article titled “What to know before visiting a chiropractor: Experts discuss benefits and risks.” The biased article stated early on that chiropractic has been shown to have many benefits, but one should also be aware of the risks. What a strange statement to make, as one could say this about any medical treatment!
The author notes that orthopedic spine surgeons attend medical school with specialized training, as if the reader did not know that. However, there was no mention that Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) undergo similar medical training in some ways and different in others. Depending on whether one takes a summer break or not, a chiropractic program takes about four years. While they do not learn surgery of the spine, chiropractors learn in-depth assessment of the spine and muscles with physical exams and imaging. They are trained to recognize serious pathology and when a referral is required. Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine must graduate from an accredited school and pass a National Chiropractic Board examination.
In my opinion, one of the advantages of chiropractic is that you will get a much better idea of the more subtle reasons you have spinal, nerve, or muscle pain. For example, spinal misalignment that does not qualify as a diseased spine by spinal surgeons can be identified and treated by a chiropractor. Moreover, chiropractors can assess and treat causes of pain that do not require surgery. Most orthopedic spine surgeons recommend physical therapy and pain medicines. These treatments have their place but may not be needed when chiropractic is involved.
The article references an orthopedic spine surgeon who states that people should work with chiropractors who are “transparent” and “explain everything to you…” I think a less biased statement from the surgeon would have been to say that “choosing a chiropractor is like choosing any medical professional…they should be transparent and explain everything to you.” I would certainly want an orthopedic surgeon to be transparent and explain everything to me before cutting me open.
The reality is that medical doctors need to refer to Doctors of Chiropractic more than they do. Conventional medicine has poor success in treating back and neck pain. Moreover, the use of prescription medications and invasive therapies has risks that can outweigh the benefits. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek a talented chiropractor for muscle, nerve, and spinal problems.
References
George, S. Z., Lentz, T. A., & Goertz, C. M. (2021). Back and neck pain: in support of routine delivery of non-pharmacologic treatments as a way to improve individual and population health. Translational Research: The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine, 234, 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trsl.2021.04.006
Quill, K., & Fox News. (2025, June 8). What to know before visiting a chiropractor: Experts discuss benefits and risks. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/health/what-know-before-visiting-chiropractor-experts-discuss-benefits-risks
