It’s a question that comes up more often than you might think: “Do medical doctors hate chiropractors?” The short answer is no—but the long answer is worth unpacking.
Like any profession, people have different opinions based on their personal experiences, training, and exposure. Some MDs may not fully understand what chiropractors do, while others see chiropractic care as a valuable complement to the medical care they provide.
In the video below, I talk more about this topic and share my own experiences with medical doctors as both colleagues and patients.
MDs Are People Too
Medical doctors are just like the rest of us—they have opinions shaped by what they’ve seen, learned, and personally experienced. Some MDs may have gone through school hearing outdated or inaccurate information about chiropractic care. Others may have interacted with chiropractors who didn’t represent the profession well.
On the other hand, many MDs have worked alongside chiropractors, referred patients, or even received chiropractic care themselves. Their experiences often lead them to see chiropractic as a safe, effective, and natural approach to musculoskeletal health.
Chiropractic Is Safe and Effective
One of the reasons some medical professionals are open to chiropractic care is the growing body of research supporting its safety and effectiveness. Chiropractic adjustments are widely recognized as a conservative, non-invasive treatment option for conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more.
With the opioid crisis and a push toward safer alternatives for pain management, chiropractic care has gained more respect in the medical community. More doctors are acknowledging that patients need non-drug, non-surgical options to get well and stay well.
MDs as Patients and Referral Sources
In my own practice, I’ve cared for medical doctors as patients. They come in with the same issues everyone else has—neck pain from long hours at a desk, lower back pain from standing in surgery, or even posture problems from years of stressful work. Many have found relief through chiropractic adjustments and continue to include it as part of their wellness routine.
Beyond that, I also receive referrals from MDs who want the best for their patients. They recognize that chiropractic offers something different from what they provide, and when they see that a patient could benefit from chiropractic adjustments, they send them our way. This collaboration ultimately helps the patient get better faster and with less risk.
A Positive Outlook
So, do MDs hate chiropractors? No. Like anyone else, some may not understand chiropractic or may hold onto old misconceptions, but many recognize its value. The reality is that healthcare works best when professionals work together. Patients benefit most when chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, and other providers collaborate rather than compete.
👉 In the video below, I go into more detail about my experiences with MDs and why I believe the relationship between chiropractic and medicine is more positive than people realize. Watch now to learn more.