When You Should See an Orthopedist Rather Than a Chiropractor

A good chiropractor can set your back right. Relief of back pain can be fast and simple with a chiropractor. A few visits may be all it takes to get you feeling better. But some conditions do not improve permanently with chiropractic treatment. Orthopedists are qualified to access deeper problems and find a solution with medical treatments. Sometimes in tandem, both chiropractors and orthopedists can help you fix your back problem. Each has their own specialties and abilities. Each can help you and neither is better than the other, just different.

Chiropractors aim to diagnose, treat, and prevent ailments of the spine. They function on the basic theory that your nervous system, especially located in the spine, affects your total health. Chiropractors are more a treatment option than a means to diagnosis. Though many chiropractors will want to diagnose you, this is more an alternative opinion than a traditional medical diagnosis. Most chiropractors can treat back pain effectively, but two things should be considered before undergoing chiropractic treatment. The seriousness of your injury or origin of your pain, and the symptoms you experience. Some things are more effectively treated by a chiropractor, and other things are more in the domain of an orthopedist.

The seriousness or origin of your pain may determine which option is better for you. If you know about the injury you have sustained and there is no fear of complicating the condition by undergoing manipulative therapy, you can go to a chiropractor with no problem. If you slept funny and have a horrible kink in your neck or stiff back that can even border on immobilizing, go to the chiropractor. These sorts of injuries and aches respond well to the treatment that a chiropractor offers. You may also be advised on how to prevent such things from happening anymore with periodic visits or training on posture or self-adjustment.

If your pain is associated with injury or you don't know the origin of your pain it may be better to see an orthopedist. For less serious injuries, the orthopedist may recommend a chiropractor or physical therapy. But it is always better to be safe than sorry. If there is any question about your pain it is best to have a medical examination. Any chiropractic therapy to a back that has a spinal cord injury could worsen the injury. If symptoms include any numbness or tingling, leg pain, fevers, or problems with bowel or bladder go to an orthopedist.