Can I See a Chiropractor and Medical Doctor?
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | March 9, 2023 | Read Time: 5 minutes
There are many things that can cause back pain such as trauma, injury, infection, or disease. When back pain remains untreated, it can become chronic. To get to the root of your back pain problem, oftentimes a visit to a healthcare professional is warranted. Whether you go to the chiropractor or medical doctor, both healthcare providers will conduct a patient history, a review of medical history, a physical examination, and order advance testing, if medically necessary. If your neck or back pain has not improved within 5 days; or if your condition has worsened, get help.
In order to provide effective healthcare services, knowing the cause of the pain is the first step. This is often achieved during the first patient visit. If your neck, back, or joint pain is a result of a soft tissue injury (e.g., muscle strain, ligament sprain), it can benefit from chiropractic care. The chiropractor will ask questions during the patient consultation that are similar to a medical doctor’s visit, as well as, chiropractic-specific questions to determine if are you a chiropractic candidate. If you are deemed a chiropractic candidate (e.g., your health condition is one that can be effectively treated with chiropractic care) – the chiropractor will provide a treatment plan, consisting of the number of visits, types of treatment procedures you will receive during your office visits, and what special tests should be ordered (when appropriate); as well as educate you on what you can do at home, in between visits to improve your condition.
Chiropractors will often collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as internal medicine doctors; as well as medical specialists like orthopedists and neurologists, to ensure that patients receive the best treatment options available for their condition. Seek out what will work best for your condition and situation, talk with your doctors, and keep them in the loop. Remember, the doctors work for the patient. So, the patient decided who they want to be on their healthcare team.
Bottom Line: If you are not responding to traditional medical treatment for your soft tissue injuries, consider seeking other treatment options. Remember, at times you need a team of doctors to get you back to better health. Don’t wait until your condition becomes worse or chronic to seek healthcare services. When in doubt, schedule an appointment with your chiropractor, medical physician, or other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler @drtiffanybutler
