Who should I see when I’m in pain?

Who should i see when i’m in pain?

Last Updated on March 22, 2024

Throughout the world, musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common reasons to seek help from a medical professional and one of the leading causes of disability.

Common reasons to seek medical care include:

  • neck pain
  • low back pain
  • arthritis
  • sports injuries
  • whiplash from car accidents.

Traditionally it has been normal for patients seeking care to first see their general practitioner but based on recent evidence and rising numbers of opioid addiction in the US, there may be better alternatives.

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Pain is complex and affected by levels of activity, occupation, dietary status, vitamin and mineral levels, hormones and generally how one feels about themselves. In fact, one large determining factor in whether someone with low back pain will recover fully is whether or not they are depressed.

As a potential patient it is imperative that you see someone with a wide base of expertise in determining what is contributing to your pain and the best treatment options.

As a clinician, I know that one of the most important things a patient can do is to choose the correct practitioner right from the start. I treat many people that have been to three of four different specialists before they enter my office for a simple case of low back pain. While it is very appropriate to see your doctor for a viral infection, seeing a medical doctor first for muscle or joint pain is associated with higher rates of injections and MRI’s, which in turn is a major predictor in whether a patient will receive surgery. A review in the Journal Arthritis Research and Therapy states that: “Current GP care for musculoskeletal conditions is variable, consisting mostly of medication, brief advice, and relatively poor information about prognosis.”

Chiropractors are trained to understand and treat musculoskeletal pain and inflammation using conservative techniques.

Many chiropractors use current scientific evidence to effectively treat pain and prevent it from returning at a lower cost to patients and the American health care system. During a chiropractic visit you can expect that your chiropractor will inspect your range of motion, muscle strength and tension as well as painful areas of your body to make a diagnosis and build an appropriate treatment plan that is tailored to your unique issue. They may suggest you also seek acupuncture care, therapeutic massage or even address other aspects of your health.

This blog was written by our guest blogger Dylan Beamer DC from Bellingham Washington. He is the owner of Bellingham Bay Chiropractic and contains a wealth of knowledge when it comes to holistic pain management and prevention. He can be reached for questions or comments at [email protected].

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