Dealing with injury or chronic pain is difficult. Knowing where to turn for evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation can be difficult, too. When you’re in the midst of dealing with a medical issue, the last thing you need to worry about is deciding the type of care you need. You’re probably used to seeing a primary care physician for the majority of medical conditions that have arisen over time; however, there are other forms of effective treatment that can help get you back to health quickly.
Chiropractors are medical professionals who go through years of training and certifications to provide exemplary holistic and natural care. The word holistic refers to treating the whole person, and that’s exactly what chiropractors do for patients. If you’ve ever felt rushed through an appointment with your PCP, you’ll appreciate the careful evaluation and personalized treatment chiropractors offer. Of course, even the best chiropractor can’t replace all the services of your primary care physician, but there are many instances in which chiropractic care can serve you best.
Illness vs. Injury
The number one question to ask yourself is, “Am I injured or am I sick?” Your PCP is trained to combat illnesses through diagnostic tools and medications. Your physician examines you over the course of an appointment, makes a determination based on your symptoms, and prescribes a regimen of medication to relieve your symptoms and restore your health. A visit to your PCP is the best course of action when you’re sick.
A chiropractor’s unique expertise can and should be utilized if you’ve suffered an injury to your spine, neck, shoulders or joints, including your knees. Much like PCP’s, chiropractors also use diagnostic tools during your first appointment. Your chiropractor might even order X-rays or MRI’s to discover the root injury that’s causing your pain.
Chiropractors typically treat sports-related injuries, workplace injuries and car accident victims, but they are also trained to diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- Whiplash.
- Sprains and strains.
- Joint pain.
- Complications from arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Chronic headaches.
- Sciatica.
- Herniated discs.
If you’re suffering from one or more of these conditions, a chiropractor is your best option for diagnosis and treatment.
Medication vs. Rehabilitation
Another question you should ask yourself when choosing between a PCP and a chiropractor is what kind of treatment option is best for you. Primary care physicians rely mostly on medication based forms of treatment. Chiropractors are not licensed to prescribe medications so if you require pain medication or are suffering from an illness, your PCP is the best option. However, medications like opioids and other painkillers often have potentially devastating side effects and can interact with other medications you might need to take.
A chiropractor will apply a holistic approach that addresses the underlying cause of your pain, develop a treatment plan that fits into your life, and work with you until you reach the highest possible level of rehabilitation. You won’t be required to take any medications as part of treatment that might mask your pain and slow recovery. Chiropractors can even work with you to solve problems like weight-loss, sleep disruption and stress management while addressing the cause of your pain.
If you’re in need of chiropractic care, the trained medical professionals at Peak Integrated Healthcare are here to support you in your recovery. With multiple locations across the DFW Metroplex, our offices are close and convenient. Call to make an appointment at the office nearest you today.
