Chiropractor vs. Chiropodist — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily of the spine, whereas chiropodists specialize in foot and lower limb health.
Difference Between Chiropractor and Chiropodist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who concentrate on the alignment of the spine to treat various physical ailments, particularly back pain and spinal issues. On the other hand, chiropodists, also known as podiatrists in some regions, focus on the feet and lower limbs, addressing conditions like bunions, nail disorders, and foot deformities.
A chiropractor often uses manual spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments believing that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Whereas chiropodists provide medical treatment to foot, ankle, and lower limb issues, which might include surgeries, prescribing orthotics, or other therapies.
Patients typically visit chiropractors for pain relief associated with the back, neck, and joints, as well as for overall wellness and preventive care. On the other hand, patients seek chiropodists for foot-related issues, such as ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, and injuries that impair walking and running.
Chiropractic care often involves a series of visits for adjustments, with a focus on holistic body health and may include recommendations on diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Chiropodists might also see patients multiple times, but their treatments are usually more localized to the foot and lower limbs and can involve topical or surgical solutions.
The training for chiropractors involves a doctoral or professional degree in chiropractic care, which is centered on spine health, nervous system function, and manual adjustment techniques. In contrast, chiropodists attain degrees in podiatry with detailed knowledge of lower limb anatomy, diseases, and biomechanics.
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Comparison Chart
Focus Area
Spine and musculoskeletal system
Foot and lower limbs
Common Treatments
Spinal adjustments, manual therapy
Nail surgery, orthotics
Patient Complaints
Back pain, neck pain, joint issues
Bunions, nail disorders, foot injuries
Treatment Philosophy
Non-surgical, holistic
Medical and surgical
Educational Background
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.)
Compare with Definitions
Chiropractor
A healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment of the spine.
After a car accident, he visited a chiropractor to help alleviate his whiplash symptoms.
Chiropodist
Diseases of the human foot and lower limbs.
The chiropodist treated his ingrown toenail through a minor surgical procedure.
Chiropractor
Provides advice on ergonomics, exercise, and lifestyle to complement spinal care.
The chiropractor recommended an ergonomic chair to reduce lower back pain.
Chiropodist
Advises on foot care and footwear to prevent future problems.
The chiropodist recommended well-cushioned shoes to prevent heel pain.
Chiropractor
Focuses on spinal health and posture to improve overall health and functionality.
The chiropractor advised daily stretches to help maintain spinal alignment.
Chiropodist
Conducts surgeries for correcting structural issues of the foot.
The chiropodist performed a bunionectomy to relieve her foot pain.
Chiropractor
Often works with athletes to prevent injuries and improve performance through better alignment.
She sees a chiropractor regularly to enhance her performance as a professional swimmer.
Chiropodist
Provides care for foot-related complications especially in diabetic patients.
She visits a chiropodist to manage her foot health, which is crucial due to her diabetes.
Chiropractor
May use tools like activators or traction devices to aid in adjustments.
During sessions, the chiropractor uses an activator to provide precise manipulation.
Chiropodist
Designs and prescribes orthotics to correct foot and gait abnormalities.
He got custom orthotics from the chiropodist to help with his flat feet.
Chiropractor
A practitioner of the system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints.
Chiropodist
See podiatry.
Chiropractor
A system of health care that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system and their effects on overall health. The method of treatment usually involves manipulation of the spinal column and other body structures.
Chiropodist
A practitioner of chiropody
Chiropractor
A health-care practitioner who specializes in chiropractic, the hands on or hand-held instrumental movement of the bone structure of the body to improve the function of the joints or nervous system.
Chiropodist
One who treats diseases of the hands and feet; especially, one who removes corns and bunions.
Chiropractor
A therapist who practics chiropractic.
Chiropodist
A specialist in care for the feet
Chiropractor
A therapist who practices chiropractic
Common Curiosities
Can chiropractors prescribe medication?
In general, chiropractors do not prescribe medication as their focus is on manual therapies and holistic care.
What types of surgeries can chiropodists perform?
Chiropodists can perform surgeries for issues like bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails.
How often should one visit a chiropractor?
The frequency of visits to a chiropractor can vary based on the individual's condition and the treatment plan, ranging from multiple visits weekly to periodic maintenance.
How do chiropodists help diabetic patients?
Chiropodists play a crucial role in managing foot health for diabetic patients, preventing and treating complications that can arise from the disease.
What qualifications do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors typically hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which involves extensive training in spinal health and manual adjustment techniques.
Do chiropractors only treat back problems?
While back problems are a common focus, chiropractors also treat neck, joint issues, and other related conditions.
What kind of foot care can a chiropodist recommend?
Chiropodists can advise on appropriate footwear and hygiene practices to maintain healthy feet.
What do chiropodists treat?
Chiropodists treat a variety of foot and lower limb issues, including nail disorders, bunions, and diabetic foot care.
Is it necessary to get a referral to see a chiropodist?
This depends on one's health insurance plan, but often a referral is not necessary to see a chiropodist.
Are the treatments offered by chiropodists painful?
Some treatments, like surgeries, can involve discomfort, but non-surgical treatments are typically minimally painful.
What issues do chiropractors primarily address?
Chiropractors primarily address issues related to the spine and neuromuscular system, such as back pain and postural issues.
Can children visit chiropractors?
Yes, chiropractors can treat children, adjusting techniques and approaches to suit their developmental stage.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
