The Myth “Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors”

The myth “chiropractors aren’t real doctors” is a widespread misconception in Australia, often due to a misunderstanding of the qualifications, training, and scope of practice of chiropractors. While they are not medical doctors (MDs), chiropractors are highly trained and regulated professionals specialising in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine. This article aims to debunk the myth by exploring the education chiropractors undergo, their regulatory framework, and their role in Australia’s healthcare system.

Education and Training of Chiropractors in Australia

One of the main reasons why the myth “chiropractors aren’t real doctors” persists is because there is confusion about the educational background of chiropractors. In Australia, chiropractors are required to complete a five-year university degree, which typically consists of a three-year Bachelor of Chiropractic Science followed by a two-year Master of Chiropractic. Some institutions offer a five-year integrated program. Chiropractic education is overseen by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA), ensuring that it meets national and international standards.

The academic and clinical training involved in becoming a chiropractor is rigorous and includes comprehensive studies in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and neurology. Chiropractic students also undergo clinical training in diagnosis, imaging, and patient care, which allows them to develop the skills necessary to treat musculoskeletal issues. While medical doctors and chiropractors share similarities in their early training—both study core biomedical sciences—the focus of chiropractic education is on non-invasive care, specifically spinal manipulation and other manual therapies.

Regulation and Licensing in Australia

In Australia, chiropractors are recognised healthcare professionals regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under the Chiropractic Board of Australia. To legally practice as a chiropractor, individuals must be registered with AHPRA, meet strict standards for education, and adhere to professional guidelines. The regulatory body ensures that chiropractors maintain high standards of practice, undertake continuing professional development (CPD), and meet ethical requirements like other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.

AHPRA ensures that chiropractors practice within their scope, focusing on non-invasive, drug-free treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. This stringent regulation underscores the legitimacy of chiropractors as health practitioners who contribute to patient care in a safe and effective manner.

Scope of Practice and Effectiveness

Another factor contributing to the myth “chiropractors aren’t real doctors” is the belief that chiropractors have a limited or ineffective scope of practice compared to medical doctors. However, the truth is that chiropractors play a vital role in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Their focus is on diagnosing and treating disorders of the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system through hands-on manipulation and manual therapies, without the use of medication or surgery.

Chiropractic care is particularly well-suited for treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches, conditions that are prevalent in Australia and globally. Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care, especially for spinal and musculoskeletal problems (Cifuentes et al., 2011), (Coulter et all., 2018).

Moreover, a study in The Lancet emphasised that non-invasive treatments, including spinal manipulation, should be the first-line treatment for managing lower back pain, a condition that affects many Australians (Maher et al., 2017). These findings demonstrate that chiropractic care is evidence-based and supported by research, further discrediting the myth that chiropractors aren’t legitimate healthcare providers.

Chiropractors’ Role in Australia’s Healthcare System

Chiropractors play an important role in Australia’s healthcare system, particularly as the country grapples with the challenge of managing chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders, which are a leading cause of disability. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, account for a significant portion of the healthcare burden in Australia (AIHW, 2020).

Chiropractors contribute to reducing this burden by providing cost-effective, non-invasive treatments that reduce the need for surgery or long-term medication use. Their role is increasingly being recognised in the healthcare system, with chiropractic services covered by Medicare for eligible patients and most private health insurers. Chiropractors also often collaborate with general practitioners, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers to offer integrated care, further highlighting their legitimacy in the healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

The myth “chiropractors aren’t real doctors” in Australia is rooted in misconceptions about their education, regulation, and scope of practice. Chiropractors undergo extensive training and are regulated by AHPRA, ensuring that they meet national standards of care. Their focus on non-invasive, manual therapies has been proven to be effective in managing musculoskeletal conditions, particularly back pain and neck pain. As a vital part of the healthcare system, chiropractors provide evidence-based, drug-free treatments that help manage conditions that are prevalent in Australia. Far from being “not real doctors,” chiropractors are essential healthcare providers, contributing significantly to patient well-being.

For further information, speak to Richie Sanchez (Chiropractor) at New Farm Chiropractic 07 3254 3011 or book an appointment online (Click here).

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020). Musculoskeletal conditions. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions/contents/summary

Cifuentes M, Willetts J, Wasiak R. Health maintenance care in work-related low back pain and its association with disability recurrence. J Occup Environ Med. 2011; 53(4): 396-404. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407100/

Coulter, I. D., Crawford, C., Vernon, H., Hurwitz, E. L., Khorsan, R., Booth, M. S., & Herman, P. M. (2019). Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for an Appropriateness Panel. Pain Physician, 22(2), E55–E70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6800035/ ‌

Maher, C., Underwood, M., & Buchbinder, R. (2017). Non-specific low back pain. The Lancet, 389(10070), 736-747. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9