What is the difference between a chiropractor and a doctor of osteopathic medicine?

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Chiropractors and osteopaths share a common philosophy about the importance of the health of the spine in ensuring good health - the main focus from both is to remove pain and aches from the body.

A chiropractor has certain techniques that he will use for manipulating the spine. An osteopath also has techniques for spine manipulation, but will also include other techniques like stretching, pressure, mobilization, and craniosacral therapy.

One of the main differences between a chiropractor and an osteopath is that an osteopath will not 'click back' a joint the way a chiropractor does. In many countries, an osteopath is trained as a physician and will see and treat patients as ordinary doctors. In the United States, there are about twenty osteopathy hospitals offering a full range of health care, and osteopaths in the US are trained in surgery.

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