Is a Chiropractor a "Real" Doctor? Here’s What They Don’t Tell You

🚨 “Chiropractors are not real doctors.”

🚨 “They just crack bones, right?”

🚨 “If it’s not a hospital treatment, how legit can it be?”

These are the misconceptions many Malaysians have about chiropractic care. But what if I told you that chiropractors go through intense medical training, similar to medical doctors?

And what if I told you that many Malaysians suffer unnecessarily because they dismiss chiropractic as “not real” healthcare?

Let’s break it down. Are chiropractors real doctors? Or have you been misled? 🤔

What exactly is a chiropractor?

To answer this, we first need to understand that a lot of current misconceptions are happening also due to lack of law enforcement in Malaysia. Pseudo-chiropractors are blooming in our country, and while they claim they are 'chiropractors', they actually do not go through the proper university course and certificate like a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C)

How to spot fake Chiropractors?

1️⃣ They Call Themselves a "Bone Setter" or "Master" or "Sifu" Instead of a Chiropractor

A real chiropractor will always use their full professional title and credentials.
If someone claims to “fix bones” but can’t show any medical certification, 🚩 red flag!

2️⃣ They Don’t Conduct Proper Assessments

A chiropractor must first diagnose your condition properly before making adjustments.
Pseudo-chiropractors often just “feel your back” and start cracking—this is DANGEROUS and can cause serious injuries.

3️⃣ They Offer Cheap “Bone Cracking” Packages Online

Chiropractic care is a specialized medical service, not a cheap promotional deal.
If someone is advertising “RM49 for unlimited adjustments” on Shopee or social media, 🚩 it’s a scam.

4️⃣ They Claim Chiropractic Can Cure Everything

A real chiropractor will never promise to cure diseases like diabetes, stroke, or instant fix on pain.
If someone claims their adjustments can “heal” all medical conditions, 🚩 it’s a lie.

But Why Do Some Medical Professionals Look Down on Chiropractors?

Let’s be honest—some mainstream doctors aren’t too happy about chiropractic care.

Why?

💰 Follow the money – If more people fix their pain naturally, fewer will rely on painkillers and surgeries.

🧠 Lack of awareness – Many Malaysians don’t know how much science goes into chiropractic care.

⚔️ Old-school rivalry – The medical vs chiropractic debate has been going on for decades, but guess what? Patients just want results.

Many Malaysians who turn to chiropractic care do so after trying everything else—painkillers, physiotherapy, even surgery—only to find chiropractic was the solution they needed all along.

In Malaysia, chiropractic falls under complementary healthcare, but in many countries (like the US, Canada, and Australia), chiropractors are primary healthcare providers—meaning patients see them before visiting a hospital for musculoskeletal issues.