Q&A

Is it best to see a doctor or chiropractor for back pain?

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Is it best to see a doctor or chiropractor for back pain?

When Should I See a Chiropractor for Back Pain? You should see a chiropractor if you’ve had chronic back pain. If you’ve never had back pain before, “chronic” could mean something different to numerous people, but the best tell would be if back pain had not gone down in a week or more.

Which doctor should I visit for lower back pain?

Orthopedists. An orthopedic healthcare provider is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in problems—from head to toe—of the musculoskeletal system. This includes, of course, the spine. An orthopedist might address conditions such as ruptured discs, scoliosis or other types of neck or low back pain.

Can a chiropractor hurt you?

There is little to no pain involved in an adjustment. You may feel pops and cracks, but you should not feel any intense pain. Typically, if you weren’t in pain prior to the adjustment, you won’t be after. Some chiropractic patients do experience some mild soreness or minor aches after a visit.

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What kind of doctor should you choose for your back pain?

While it is common to start off with a primary care provider (a medical doctor, chiropractor, or doctor of osteopathic medicine), if the patient’s back pain is resistant to initial treatment then the services of a spine specialist may be necessary.

Which doctor can help me with back pain?

The back pain caregiver menu

  • Chiropractors. Chiropractors are often the go-to caregivers for back pain. In 2002,approximately 15 million Americans used chiropractic care,about 40 percent of them for low back pain.
  • Physiatrists. Physiatrists are MDs who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. It’s a fairly new specialty.

    • What is the difference between a chiropractor and a doctor?

    As compared to the chiropractor, a doctor is a fully licensed medical person while a chiropractor is not. A chiropractor is not required to have completed residency training in a hospital while it is required for doctors in many states. Chiropractor can’t suggest the medications for patients while a doctor can.

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    Should you see a chiropractor for low back pain?

    Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.