subject: How To Choose The Right Kind Of Doctor: [print this page] Have you ever asked yourself, "What's the best doctor for my problem?" Many people spend more money than they need to because they don't go to the right doctor to begin with. In today's health care and economy it is very important to get this right the first time.
People make the mistake of going to a medical doctor because they do not understand what a chiropractor does. A chiropractor is a holistic health practitioner healing the body naturally without the use of drugs or surgery.
A chiropractor is known for something called the chiropractic "adjustment." This is performed when a chiropractor finds an area in the spine that is motion "restricted" or mis-aligned. Other things a chiropractor does on a routine office visit, electrical stimulation, rehabilitation, nutrition advice, acupuncture, muscle techniques, functional screening and training, and refer to a medical doctor.
A medical doctor or general practitioner takes the patient's vitals or has a nurse do this (blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, pulse). They will then look in the patient's eyes, ears, and mouth. After this they will usually write a prescription. If the patient presents with a complaint of sore muscle or back they will usually give an injection, an anti-inflammation prescription, and referral to a physical therapist or chiropractor.
For the complaint of sore muscle or backache a chiropractor is simply the best choice. A chiropractor will be more cost effective in the long run as well. A chiropractor will decide whether the complaint is beyond their scope of practice and refer to a medical doctor if necessary.
If the complaint is internal or out of the ordinary in nature a medical doctor is the best choice. A viral or bacterial infection is best treated by a medical doctor. Also conditions such as heart or lung issues should be evaluated by a cardiologist or pulmonologist, which are medical doctor specialties.
Chiropractor Versus Medical Doctor Summary:
Chiropractor: adjustments, muscle techniques, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, sports rehab, functional screening and training, physiotherapy (electrical stimulation), referral to medical doctor.
Medical Doctor: Evaluate vital signs, evaluate internal structures, steroidal injections, prescription medication, surgery, medical specialties, referral to physical therapist, or chiropractor.
by: Dr. Steve Smiley
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