Not sure whether to see a chiropractor or doctor first for back pain? For everyday back pain with no warning signs, either one is a sensible first stop. However, a few symptoms need a medical doctor or the ER first. Those include a fever, leg weakness, numbness in the groin and new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels. Below, we explain how to choose, what each one does and how to use both well.
Chiropractor or doctor first? A simple way to decide
Start with two questions. How did the pain begin, and how does the rest of you feel?
A chiropractor may be a good first stop when your pain began after lifting, twisting or sleeping wrong. The same goes for pain that builds over a long day at a desk. Often it feels stiff, achy or sore, and it changes as you move. In addition, you otherwise feel well and have none of the warning signs listed further down.
A medical doctor should come first when you have any of those warning signs or feel sick in other ways. The same is true when you simply are not sure. In that case, ruling out a serious cause is the first job. After that, chiropractic care can still be part of your plan.
Either way, picking a chiropractor or doctor first does not lock you in. You can start with one and add the other later.
Is a chiropractor a real doctor?
Yes, though not a medical doctor. Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, written as D.C. They also need a state license to practice. Their training focuses on how the spine, joints and muscles work and move.
For example, Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C. earned her Doctor of Chiropractic at Northeast College of Health Sciences. She also holds an M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition from the same school. In addition, she passed the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams and is licensed in New Jersey. She is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, too.
Unlike a medical doctor, Dr. Patel does not prescribe medication or perform surgery. So if your care calls for either one, a medical doctor is the right person to see.
What a chiropractor and a medical doctor each bring
A chiropractor looks closely at how your spine, joints and muscles move and how that links to your pain. Care often includes adjustments, soft tissue work and exercise rehab. The aim is to ease pain and help you move with more comfort.
A medical doctor looks at your whole health picture. For example, they can prescribe medicine and order blood work. If needed, they can refer you to other doctors, such as a spine surgeon. They can also check whether another health problem is behind your pain.
Neither one is better across the board. They do different jobs, and for back pain those jobs often fit together well.
What research says about chiropractic care for back pain
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health sums up the research on spinal manipulation, the hands-on adjustment chiropractors use. For low back pain that started recently, it reports a modest benefit. With long-lasting low back pain, results look similar to other recommended care. Neck pain has low to moderate evidence, and adjustments seem most useful as part of a plan that includes exercise.
Mild side effects are common. You may feel sore or stiff, or get a headache, and these usually fade within a day or so. Our guide to feeling sore after chiropractor visits explains what is normal. Studies also link neck adjustments to a rare tear in a neck artery, which can cause a stroke. They have not shown that the adjustment causes the tear, but you deserve to know.
You might also hear a pop during an adjustment. That sound comes from gas leaving the joint, and our post on the chiropractor cracking sound explains it.
Can you see a chiropractor and a doctor at the same time?
Yes, and for many people that is a sensible plan. Tell each one about the other, and share your test results and medicine list. That way, everyone works from the same facts.
Your medical doctor might handle medicine or order tests while a chiropractor focuses on how you move. Then, if anything changes, either one can send you back to the other. If you have seen a chiropractor or doctor recently, bring any notes or scan reports to your next visit.
People also wonder how many visits chiropractic care takes. The honest answer depends on your exam and how your body responds. Our post on how often you should see a chiropractor covers it in more detail.
Cost, insurance and referrals
Insurance can shape whether you call a chiropractor or doctor first, so check your coverage early. We accept most major insurance plans. Zocdoc lists Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare and UnitedHealthcare among the plans we accept. Still, plans differ, so please call us to check yours.
Medicare covers chiropractic manipulation for subluxation and not other services such as decompression. So if you have Medicare, call your plan and us to check. Some plans also have their own rules about referrals, and your plan can tell you if you need one. You can book with us directly online or by phone. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit, plus the APEX discount plan.
When to see a doctor or go to the ER
This post is general information, not a diagnosis. Some signs mean you need medical care before you see a chiropractor. Go to the ER now if you lose control of your bladder or bowels. Numbness in your groin, buttocks or inner thighs is also an ER sign. Both can point to cauda equina syndrome, a serious nerve problem that needs care right away.
Call 911 if upper back pain comes with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath or sweating. Pain that spreads to your jaw or arm is another reason to call 911. After a car crash, get emergency care first.
According to MedlinePlus, you should also see a medical doctor soon if you have:
- Leg weakness
- A fever along with your back pain
- Pain that started after a fall
- A history of cancer, or weight loss you cannot explain
- Pain that wakes you up at night
How we approach it at HealthSource of Roseland
At our office at 12 Eisenhower Parkway in Roseland, Dr. Patel evaluates you first. Your first visit starts with a short tour and a health history form. Next comes a consultation and a physical exam of your posture, mobility and pain. We take X-rays on site only if they are clinically needed.
Then Dr. Patel explains what she found and walks you through a personal care plan before any care starts. Her approach combines hands-on adjustments, soft tissue work, exercise rehab, and nutrition and lifestyle guidance. She looks for the source of the problem, not only the symptoms. If your exam points to a problem outside our scope, she will tell you and suggest you see a medical doctor. Dr. Patel speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati, too.
You can learn more about our back pain relief care, or browse our chiropractic questions page for quick answers.
Your next step
If your back pain has no warning signs, a chiropractic exam is a calm place to start. Ask about our new-patient visit: consultation, exam and X-rays if clinically needed. Details are on our new-patient offer page. The offer is for new patients only. It does not apply to Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare program patients, or to ACN members. When you are ready, book online or call (973) 200-2424.
