Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Although chiropractors graduate as doctors of chiropractic and attend a 4-year medical school curriculum, they are not medical doctors.
Medical doctors tend to focus on acute or immediate symptoms, often prescribing medication in accordance with the ailments of their patients.
On the other hand, chiropractors utilise manual manipulation and spine adjustment techniques with the aim of lessening or eliminating pain, as well as improving body functions including bone and soft tissue conditions.
Chiropractors do not prescribe medication
Chiropractors, while holding the title “Dr,” do not prescribe medication. This is in line with the Ministry of Health (MOH) regulations, which state that chiropractors are not medical practitioners and cannot practice medicine. Chiropractic treatment focuses on the health of the nervous system by aligning the spinal column, allowing the body to naturally heal problems causing pain and restricted movement.
The essence of chiropractic care lies in identifying and treating the root cause of pain, rather than just alleviating symptoms through medication. For example, instead of prescribing cholesterol-lowering drugs to a patient with high cholesterol, chiropractors look for the underlying causes and work on long-term solutions.
This approach encourages patients to be actively involved in their health journey, fostering long-term wellness rather than a dependency on continuous medication for relief. Chiropractic care is about empowering patients to take charge of their health for sustained improvement.
Do you know our Dr. Jenny? When she is not in the clinic, she also hosts a podcast in which she interviews foreigners about their lives in Singapore. This podcast features Dr. Jenny interviewing Dr. Tony from Spring Hope Orthopedic Center. They discussed how healthcare providers from different disciplines working together can produce much better patient recovery results than just sticking with one discipline. Chiropractic in Singapore is a growing industry. In this conversation, they also discuss how the profession can help with the aging population beyond just joint muscle pain management.
Chiropractors do not conduct surgery
Chiropractors, while considered healthcare professionals, do not perform surgery. Chiropractors specialize in non-invasive treatments like posture corrections, soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, electronic muscle stimulation, and massages. They are not trained surgeons.
However, chiropractors can collaborate with medical professionals, such as orthopaedic surgeons, when surgery is necessary. Both chiropractors and orthopaedic surgeons work towards relieving musculoskeletal discomfort, but their methods differ. Chiropractors focus on holistic, interconnected bodily functions, while orthopaedic physicians rely on medical sciences, utilizing tools like X-rays, scans, and physical exams for diagnosis and treatment.
Though chiropractors don’t use surgical methods, they play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and strengthening process post-surgery. They assist patients in regaining mobility and achieving long-term pain-free movement, complementing the surgical treatment with their expertise in musculoskeletal health.
Chiropractors do not treat traumatic injuries
Chiropractic care is recognized for its hands-on approach in restoring physiological functions, aligning the spine, and improving nerve transmissions. This effectively alleviates back and neck pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. However, it’s important to note that chiropractors have limitations in their scope of practice, particularly regarding conditions that require medication or surgery, which are better addressed by medical physicians.
Chiropractic treatment is beneficial for muscle strains and lower back pain but may not be suitable for chronic conditions like arthritis. Accurate diagnosis of the pain source is crucial before opting for spinal manipulation, as improper application can exacerbate the issue.
Chiropractors typically do not treat traumatic injuries like broken bones and fractures immediately. They wait until the initial healing phase has started and inflammation has reduced. Nevertheless, chiropractors can employ compression techniques to aid in bone healing and recommend specific stretches and exercises. These practices help in quicker recovery, strengthen the affected area, and minimize the risk of future injuries.
Chiropractors do not advertise themselves as medical practitioners
Chiropractors in Singapore cannot and should not practise as medical doctors unless they are registered under the Medical Registration Act (MRA) in Singapore.
Despite this, chiropractors are still highly valuable, especially for patients experiencing severe pain. They complement medical treatment effectively, as studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation, when combined with standard medical care, leads to better outcomes for patients.
Chiropractic care adopts a whole-body approach, focusing on overall health and well-being. It’s crucial for patients to be open about their health history and discuss any alternative therapies they are considering with their doctor, and vice versa.
Our chiropractors are committed to honesty and clarity about the scope of their treatments. We ensure that patients are fully informed about what chiropractic care can and cannot do, and provide tailored options based on individual conditions.
What are some misconceptions or myths about chiropractic?
What Kind Of Doctor Is Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are not medical doctors, but rather healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. They use manual manipulation and adjustment techniques to restore joint mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function. While chiropractors are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery, they are licensed healthcare providers in many countries and can provide a range of therapies and treatments to their patients.
Is chiropractic regulated in Singapore?
Chiropractic in Singapore currently operates under a self-regulation model through the Singapore Chiropractic Association (SCA), rather than statutory government regulation. When choosing a chiropractor, the most important thing to check is whether they graduated from a WHO-recognised chiropractic institution. The World Health Organisation publishes guidelines on minimum standards for chiropractic education — and not all schools meet this standard.Re:Chiropractic’s doctors graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in the United States — the oldest and most established chiropractic college in the world, and fully WHO-recognised. If you are comparing clinics, always ask: “Which school did you graduate from?” It matters.
Can a chiropractor help with my back/neck pain without medication?
Yes — this is exactly what chiropractic is designed for. At Re:Chiropractic Lavender, Dr Jeff and Dr Jenny treat neck pain, back pain, slipped disc and sciatica using hands-on adjustment, dry needling and spinal decompression — no drugs, no surgery.
How is Re:Chiropractic different from a GP ( General Physician)?
A GP diagnoses and prescribes. We identify the structural root cause of your pain and treat it directly. Many of our patients come to us after their GP could only offer painkillers — and find lasting relief within a few sessions.
When should you see a chiropractor vs a doctor?
Many patients ask us, “Should I see a chiropractor or a GP?” Honestly, both play very important roles — it really depends on what your body is trying to tell you. If you are experiencing fever, infection, chest pain, breathing difficulty, sudden unexplained weight loss, severe trauma, or medical conditions requiring medication and blood tests, a GP should always be your first point of contact. They are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions and can refer you for further investigations when necessary.
On the other hand, if your problem is more related to muscle, joint, posture, movement, stiffness, or chronic tension — such as neck pain, low back pain, headaches, shoulder tightness, sciatica, poor posture, sports injuries, or discomfort from long hours of sitting — chiropractic care may be helpful. Many of the patients we see are not “seriously sick,” but their body has slowly become restricted, tight, imbalanced, and painful over time due to stress, posture, work habits, or repetitive strain.
At our clinic, we always believe healthcare should work together, not compete. There are situations where we may advise patients to see a GP, specialist, or go for imaging if we feel the condition requires further medical attention. The most important thing is not choosing sides — it is making sure patients get the right care at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best chiropractor in Singapore?
The best chiropractor depends on your condition. Some clinics focus on adjustments, while others offer integrated treatments including muscle therapy. Choose based on whether you need quick relief or long-term recovery.
Is chiropractic treatment effective for back pain?
Yes, chiropractic treatment can help with back pain, especially when combined with muscle therapy. Many cases involve both joint and muscle issues, so a combined approach often gives better results.
Why does my pain come back after chiropractic treatment?
Pain may return if only one part of the problem is treated. For example, adjusting joints without addressing muscle tightness can lead to recurring symptoms.
Is chiropractic regulated in Singapore?
Chiropractic in Singapore currently operates under a self-regulation model through the Singapore Chiropractic Association (SCA), rather than statutory government regulation. When choosing a chiropractor, the most important thing to check is whether they graduated from a WHO-recognised chiropractic institution. Re:Chiropractic’s doctors graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in the United States — the oldest and most established chiropractic college in the world, and fully WHO-recognised. If you are comparing clinics, always ask: “Which school did you graduate from?” It matters.
Is a chiropractor a proper doctor?
Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree — a 4-year postgraduate qualification that includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical training. However they are not medical doctors (MDs) and cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. In Singapore, chiropractors are classified under Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Think of them as specialists in musculoskeletal health — highly trained for what they do, but with a different scope of practice from a GP or specialist doctor.
What do neurologists think of chiropractors?
Many neurologists respect chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain and headaches. The relationship between the two professions has evolved significantly — today, many patients are co-managed by both neurologists and chiropractors, especially for conditions like sciatica, disc herniation and tension headaches. A good chiropractor will always refer patients to a neurologist or specialist if a condition falls outside chiropractic scope.
Is a chiropractor a doctor in Singapore?
In Singapore, chiropractors are not classified as medical doctors under the Medical Registration Act. They are not regulated by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). However, chiropractors from WHO-recognised schools are recognised by the Singapore Chiropractic Association (SCA). At Re:Chiropractic, both Dr Jenny and Dr Jeff graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic — a fully WHO-recognised institution and the founding college of chiropractic worldwide.
Can a chiropractor help with cortisol levels?
Chiropractic care may indirectly support stress regulation. Spinal adjustments can reduce physical tension and improve nervous system function, which may help the body manage stress responses more effectively. While chiropractic does not directly treat cortisol levels, many patients report feeling calmer and less tense after treatment — particularly when combined with lifestyle guidance on sleep, movement, and recovery.
Dr. Jenny Li is America trained chiropractor who specialises in sports injury, sports performance, and spinal health. She graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in United States, upon completion of the her post graduate program she practiced in Hong Kong and currently is practicing in Singapore.
