The term "bone doctor" is sometimes used to describe physicians who diagnose and treat problems of the musculoskeletal system, which includes not only bones, but nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Bone doctors fall into four groups -- surgeons; physicians who provide only medical therapy; doctors who perform spinal manipulation; and physical therapists, who are not medical doctors but must have a doctorate to practice. What They Do Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists diagnose and surgically treat many musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. The podiatrist is limited to the lower extremities, while an orthopedic surgeon might operate on any area of the musculoskeletal system except the skull. Chiropractors and osteopaths use spinal manipulation to relieve pain and improve function. Rheumatologists specialize in diseases such as arthritis, and medical -- rather than surgical -- treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Physiatrists are rehabilitation specialists who work with patients who have spinal cord or other traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. Physical therapists use exercise to reduce or manage pain and improve movement. How They Learn Orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, osteopaths and physiatrists all complete college and medical school; attend a residency; and may also complete an extended period of training known as a specialty fellowship. The osteopath, however, attends an osteopathic rather than a conventional medical school. A podiatrist needs three years of undergraduate education prior to entering a college of podiatric medicine. Physical therapists must complete a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in the field. Chiropractors need three years of undergraduate education and complete their training in a Doctor of Chiropractic program. Residencies vary in length, from three years for a podiatrist to five years for an orthopedic surgeon. Rheumatologists complete two residencies -- one in internal medicine or pediatrics, and one in rheumatology. Residency is an option for physical therapists and chiropractors. Where They Specialize Many bone doctors choose to specialize. Orthopedic surgeons might specialize in a particular area of the body, such as the spine; in a procedure, such as total joint replacements; or in a field, such as musculoskeletal oncology -- the treatment of bone cancer. Rheumatologists are by definition specialized internists, as rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Rheumatologists may also specialize further in pediatrics. Osteopaths may choose any medical specialty, just as a doctor of medicine would do, but most work in primary-care specialties such as pediatrics, family practice and internal medicine. Chiropractors might specialize in nutrition or sports medicine. Physical therapists can choose one or more of eight specialties, including orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics and sports. Source What They Earn Salaries for doctors who care for bones in some way are as varied as their jobs. Profiles Database, which matches employers and doctors seeking jobs, provided average salaries for doctors with six years’ experience in 2013. A general orthopedic surgeon earned $488,500 a year, while an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in the spine earned $628,000 a year. Rheumatologists earned $223,500 a year, and physiatrists earned $235,300 annually. Osteopaths’ salaries depend on the specialty they choose. In family practice, doctors earned $122,850 a year; in pediatrics, they earned $204,500 a year; and in internal medicine, they earned $212,790. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports data on chiropractors, podiatrists and physical therapists. In 2013, physical therapists earned an average annual salary of $82,180; chiropractors earned $78,410; and podiatrists earned $135,070.