When to See a Chiropractor (vs. Another Healthcare Provider) 

Struggling with pain or mobility issues? Find out when to see a chiropractor for pain – and when it’s time to choose a different healthcare provider. Plus learn what chiropractors can treat, and the benefits of chiropractic care.  

What is Chiropractic Care? 

Chiropractic care can be a highly effective solution for millions of Americans struggling with pain – especially chronic pain. Chiropractic care can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, even pain in the arms and legs. But how do you know when to see a chiropractor, and when to choose a different healthcare practitioner?  

Find Relief from Pain – Without Medication 

One of the benefits of chiropractic care is that chiropractors are able to provide pain relief without medication. Chiropractic is a licensed branch of healthcare that promotes the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or drugs. Doctors of Chiropractic, or chiropractors, perform gentle adjustments to align your spine (and any joint where you’re struggling with pain or limited mobility.)  

Adjustments can relieve:  

• Inflammation  
• Nerve irritation 
• Muscle spasms 
• Joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort 

Chiropractic care has been found to be an effective treatment for pain that can also improve function, mobility, and promote healing for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, herniated discs, neck pain, headaches as well as car accident, slip and fall and sports injuries.  

But is a chiropractor right for your pain?  

When to See a Chiropractor vs a Medical Doctor

Both chiropractors and other medical specialists treat pain and musculoskeletal issues, and both are licensed to prescribe labs and imaging. However, there are key difference between chiropractors and other medical professionals that can help you decide which is the best fit for you.  

The primary difference lies in their treatment methodologies: 

• Chiropractors use manual therapies, like spinal manipulation and other supplemental treatments, to reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body and restore proper movement of the joints. Chiropractic care is considered non-invasive, and does not involve medication.  
• Medical doctors typically treat pain with prescription medication and/or surgery, often in conjunction with physical therapy.  
• Physical and occupational therapists specialize in exercise-based therapies similar to chiropractic treatment but do not deliver chiropractic adjustments.  

• Even in cases where surgery may be indicated, chiropractic care can provide supplemental relief or can be applied as a first line of treatment. Many chiropractors also prescribe active therapies to support the adjustments.  
• Unlike treatment by a physical therapist or occupational therapist, chiropractic care does not require a referral.   

Download our free guide on where to seek diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal pain.

Different Types of Pain Specialists: Who to Choose  

Chiropractors  

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) specialize in reducing pain and solving problems that involve the musculoskeletal system. Their expertise is in performing adjustments, recommending therapies, and offering wellness and lifestyle modification advice to help patients heal pain naturally.   

Primary Care Physicians or General Practitioners 

Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) develop a pain-reducing drug regimen or refer patients to specialists for surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care, etc.  

Specialist Physicians

Certain physician specialists (MD/DO) focus on specific areas of medicine that affect the musculoskeletal system and/or pain management. A few examples are Rheumatologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and (PM&R)/Physiatry. Depending on your condition, your Chiropractor or General Practitioner may work with or refer you to one of these specialists.   

Physical or Occupational Therapists (PTs or OTs)

PTs prescribe various exercises to improve strength, mobility, flexibility and promote optimal function. PTs often help patients rehabilitate after an injury or trauma through various exercise therapies. OTs focus specifically on ensuring patients can complete their daily activities.   

The Difference Between Chiropractors and Osteopaths 

Both chiropractors and physical therapists are licensed practitioners specializing in treating and managing conditions without surgery or medication. Both also perform hands-on therapies and therapeutic exercises to treat similar conditions.   

There are a few key differences between these professions: 

• Chiropractors are direct access physicians – this means they do not require a referral for treatment 
• While both healthcare providers are skilled at incorporating therapeutic exercises into the care plan, only chiropractors performs adjustments.  
• Physical therapists help patients improve mobility, find relief from pain, and prevent or recover from injuries or other physical conditions through treatments that include exercises, stretches, and more. 

By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic adjustments help manage musculoskeletal pain and dysfunctions, especially when combined with active therapies. 

Common Conditions Chiropractors Treat 

Chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions – you may be surprised at how many. Chiropractors see patients for conditions affecting the spine and extremities, like back pain – which is what most people commonly associate with chiropractic care  – and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and even jaw pain. They can even relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy.  

Chiropractic care can be effective treatment for people of all ages, including children and seniors (although the most common age range for someone to seek chiropractic care is between 45 and 64 years old.) I 

If you have any concerns about whether chiropractic care is right for you, rest assured that any reputable chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose your pain and understand your unique needs.  

If adjustments aren’t the right fit for you, or if your condition could benefit from a higher level of care, your chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare provider. 

Here are the conditions chiropractors treat most often:  

Common Conditions Chiropractors Treat

Neck Pain

This year, three-quarters of Americans will experience neck pain. A 2021 review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that chiropractic manipulation is an effective treatment for acute neck pain. The review found that while spinal adjustments alone could improve neck pain, they could also be safely combined with traditional therapies (like medication and physiotherapy) to further enhance results.  

If you have neck pain: Your chiropractor will assess you and diagnose the root cause before adjusting you. Gentle adjustments correct the structural abnormalities behind your neck pain to relieve it – and reduce the risk of recurrence.  

Headaches and Migraines

According to the CDC, nearly half the global population has at least one headache each year. It’s no wonder so many people are looking for a safe, effective solution. Chiropractic adjustments can treat a wide range of headache symptoms and types, including migraines – and especially cervicogenic headaches, which are often the result of poor posture. Chiropractic care relieves headache pain by correcting underlying issues in your vertebrae and muscles. 

Back Pain

Experts estimate that back pain affects about 65 million people each year. It can be caused by your postural habits, your daily routine (think extended sitting or driving), or by an accident or injury. Chiropractors combine spinal adjustments, therapies, and postural education to relieve back pain and improve posture. In a large number of cases, lower back pain is the result from herniated discs. Chiropractic adjustments and therapies can treat both the condition and the resulting pain by helping to hydrate and realign the spinal discs.   

Scoliosis

Doctors perform around 29,000 adolescent scoliosis surgeries every year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Chiro One doctors can provide structural improvements to help prevent scoliosis complications without the use of drugs or surgery.  

Sciatica

On average, sciatica affects up to 40% of the US population. Chiropractic care helps to eliminate acute or chronic sciatic pain via spinal adjustments and therapeutic exercises. It can also promote healing.   

Accidents and Sports Injuries 

Last year, over 55 million Americans saw a healthcare provider for injuries. The good news is chiropractic adjustments and therapies quickly treat injuries and optimize healing.  Chiropractic care can also be an effective tool in preventing injuries – find out how, and how to protect yourself and the athletes in your life – here.  

If you are dealing with musculoskeletal pain and you’re searching for a drug-free, non-invasive treatment, it may be time to find a reputable chiropractor near you.  

Still not sure? Here’s how to know when to seek medical treatment for pain: 

• You’re experiencing numbness and tingling in your back, neck, or extremities 
• Pain is severe, unrelenting, or does not improve with medication 
• Pain is the result of a fall or injury 
• Pain worsens when you try to move, or is affecting your vision or balance 
• You’re experiencing weakness or cannot move the affected area 
• You see visual deformities or swelling  

Chiropractic care is a proven treatment for pain and can even be effective at treating chronic pain. If you’re looking for relief without medication – and with the added bonus of improved function and mobility, chiropractic care could be the right fit for you.