It may be a simple question, or what seems like a simple question…and it is simple. Still, let me explain further…
Should you go to the chiropractor or your MD?
If you have never been to a chiropractor before, then familiarize yourself with the types of things chiropractors typically treat and see if you fit in that group of people with those types of issues. If you want to know what types of things we deal with here at our chiropractic office, click this link here. If you don’t want to bother reading a list of stuff we treat, then the short version is: we treat non-emergency physical injuries. If you are bleeding, don’t come to our office until you get that bleeding thing under control! If you are achy, sore, stiff, numb and tingly, or otherwise physically suffering, then by all means come on in to see us! To review:
1) If you’re bleeding, go to a MD or the ER.
2) If you are experiencing a medical emergency, then go to the hospital.
3) If your back hurts or your legs are tingling, then come to see us.
4) If your neck hurts, or you have chronic headaches, then come to see us.
We can elaborate a great deal if you’re interested. Here are some other things that are beyond our interests or capabilities:
-Prescription medication, and the management thereof
-Heart attacks or strokes
-Mental disorders
-Obstetrics, gynecology, proctology and other icky stuff
-Etc.
Now, the flip side of this is very important, too. Let’s say your back hurts and you go to your MD. They may give you painkillers. They may give you muscle relaxers. They may give you an anti-depressant or sleeping pills. They may suggest you get more exercise. What they won’t and can’t do is provide a physical solution for what you have, which is a physical problem. This is not because they aren’t awesome people or great doctors, it’s probably more a result of them having other things to deal with, such as managing the American public’s growing reliance on medication and trying to fit 10 patients in every single hour so they can get enough of the paltry reimbursement that insurance pays. Simply put, your MD isn’t interested in spending time trying to help you deal with your neck pain or migraines, sciatica, or whatever muscle or joint is aching because if it isn’t a fracture, cancer, or something serious then they have other things to think about. They will spend two minutes or less hearing you tell them what hurts, and then you get a prescription or a referral and then you’re out the door.
If you want to have a more satisfying experience with your doctor when you are dealing with something that a chiropractor is trained to treat, then by all means go to the chiropractor first. Save your MD the time and save yourself the money and start with the right provider. If it’s something that the chiropractor can’t treat, then they should refer you to the person that can help you.