Chiropractor

If you experience back pain and/or other musculoskeletal complaints, you may be interested in trying chiropractic treatment. On the other hand, if you’re going to chiropractic for the first time, you may have questions about it.

One of the most important questions you may have is whether you need a referral from your doctor in order to see a chiropractor. The short answer is no; you can call a chiropractor’s office and make an appointment at any time without a referral from a doctor. Whether you decide to make a chiropractic appointment on your own account or receive a referral, there are advantages and disadvantages either way.

Advantages of Referrals

While it is true that you can make an appointment with a chiropractor any time you choose, you may need to get a referral if you want your health insurance to pay for it. Most insurance providers will cover at least a certain number of visits to a chiropractor, but some require a referral from a doctor for approval. Of course, if you choose to pay for chiropractic treatment out of your own pocket, this becomes a non-issue.

Another reason to obtain a referral from your doctor is to ensure you see a chiropractor who is competent and trustworthy. While most chiropractors are honest and highly skilled, others talk up their abilities without being able to back it up in order to take advantage of unsuspecting patients. The relationship between medical doctors and chiropractors hasn’t always been cordial, so if you receive a referral for a chiropractor from a medical doctor, you can trust that seeing him or her will be worth your while.

Advantages of Seeing a Chiropractor on Your Own

With the opioid epidemic raging throughout the United States, you may have some valid concerns about taking pharmaceuticals for relief of chronic pain. If you’d like to address musculoskeletal complaints without the risk of becoming hooked on painkillers, you should consider giving chiropractic a try. Chiropractic care typically consists of a combination of nutritional support, joint/spinal manipulation, and physiotherapy. A doctor of chiropractic does not prescribe medication.

Ten to 15 percent of visits to primary care physicians pertain to musculoskeletal complaints, while 12 to 14 percent relate specifically to back pain. Seeing a chiropractor right away can not only save you time, it helps relieve the workload upon a dwindling number of primary care physicians throughout the country.

Whether you see a chiropractor in Wheaton, MD first or obtain a referral, they would be happy to assess your situation and help you improve your life through decreased pain. Please contact an office today for an appointment.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care and medical referrals.