A doctor of osteopathy (DO) and doctor of chiropractic (DC) have several similarities as well as differences. It is the differences that are the determining factors in whether a person chooses one profession or the other. While both disciplines have origins dating back to the 1800s, each grows more distinct as time goes on.
Education
Schools for obtaining a DO or a DC degree both require 4 years of post graduate study. Before studying for either profession, undergraduate education is required. The osteopathic colleges require a 4-year degree while chiropractic colleges require what is essentially an associate's degree. Some states and schools are changing to require a 4-year undergraduate degree. The American Chiropractic Association states that the average classroom and clinical hours for a DC degree is 4,820 verses 4,670 hours for the average medical or osteopathic degree. The chiropractic degree includes a chiropractic internship while a DO degree requires internships and rotations in hospitals for 1 year after graduation, and another 3 to 8 years of rotations if specialization in a certain medical field is desired.
Prescriptions and Surgery
While both professions aim to treat the whole body rather than just the symptoms of disease, doctors of osteopathy are more similar to medical doctors (MDs) in that they are able to write prescription. Chiropractic is a profession that relies on non-pharmacological measures and the recommendation of nutritional supplements verses drugs. Osteopathic doctors also have the opportunity to treat patients through surgery. Their rotation length depends upon specialty and the desire to use surgical methods.
Manipulations
While both professions have more than 500 hours of hands-on training for adjusting and manipulations, osteopaths tend do use a more gentle approach that involves mobilizing the joint and stretching. While many chiropractors also use mobilization for certain spinal conditions, they likewise tend to use what is called a diversified method that requires a "high velocity low amplitude" thrust to perform the adjustment. These types of adjustments are often associated with the popping sound.
State to State Regulations
Both professions have to be nationally certified and graduates must pass specific boards for each state. Still, the laws for chiropractic are varied from one state to another. For example, in the state of Oregon, chiropractors are primary care physicians and can adjust the spine and extremities, use physical therapy modalities and can deliver babies and perform minor surgeries. Both of those specialties require extra training after graduation and licensure. Just across the border in Washington, chiropractic is limited to only adjustments of the spine and extremities. Physical therapy modalities are not allowed to be performed by Washington chiropractors. Doctors of osteopathy have more consistent laws from state to state.
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