What Kind of Doctor Is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor holds the title "Doctor" because they earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited chiropractic college. This is a professional doctoral program, similar in structure to the programs that train medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs). In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, chiropractors are recognized as primary care providers for conditions involving the spine, joints, and nervous system.

The DC degree is not an honorary title. It reflects years of graduate-level study in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, radiology, and clinical diagnosis. Students also complete extensive coursework in spinal biomechanics, nutrition, rehabilitation, and the manual techniques that define chiropractic care.

Before entering a chiropractic program, students must complete at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. Many students complete a full bachelor's degree before applying. The chiropractic doctoral program itself takes four academic years to complete.

During those four years, DC students log approximately 4,800 hours of combined classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical experience. By comparison, medical students complete roughly 4,000 to 4,500 hours during their MD program (not counting residency). Chiropractic students spend significant time learning hands-on adjustment techniques, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic testing, and patient management in real clinical settings.

Dr. Matthew Phinney, the founder of The Chiropractic Doctors, graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, the founding institution of the profession. With over 35 years of clinical practice, he brings decades of experience to every patient he treats in Grand Rapids.

After earning a DC degree, graduates must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams. These exams cover basic sciences, clinical sciences, diagnostic imaging, and clinical competency. Each state then requires its own license to practice. In Michigan, chiropractors must hold an active license through the Michigan Board of Chiropractic and complete continuing education every year to keep that license current.

This process ensures that every practicing chiropractor meets a consistent standard of knowledge and clinical skill. Dr. Drew Bailey and Dr. Alec Papes, who practice alongside Dr. Phinney at our Grand Rapids office, have each completed this full training and licensing path.

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Their primary tool is the spinal adjustment, a controlled, precise force applied to a joint to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and reduce nerve interference. Many chiropractors also use soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercises, ergonomic counseling, and nutritional guidance as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Chiropractors do not perform surgery and, in most states (including Michigan), do not prescribe pharmaceutical drugs. This focus on non-invasive, drug-free care is one of the defining features of the profession. When a patient's condition falls outside chiropractic scope, a responsible chiropractor will refer them to a medical doctor, surgeon, or other specialist.

Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) complete medical school and residency training. They can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and manage a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment, which shares some similarities with chiropractic adjustment.

Physical therapists (PTs) hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and focus on restoring movement and function through exercise, stretching, and manual techniques. PTs do not perform spinal adjustments in the way chiropractors do, and they do not prescribe medication.

Chiropractors occupy a unique space. Their training centers on the spine and nervous system, and their treatments aim to correct misalignments that affect overall health. Many patients work with chiropractors alongside their medical doctors and physical therapists for well-rounded care. At The Chiropractic Doctors, our team is happy to coordinate with your other providers to make sure you get the best results.