Whom Should You Consult For Back Pain – Orthopedic or Chiropractor?

Whether you are experiencing back pain because of a sports injury or an auto accident, you will have to consult a specialist who can help you obtain some relief. With so many options available, it might get confusing where to go. If choosing between an orthopedic and a chiropractor is the dilemma you are facing, here are a few things that should help you make your decision:

Both are qualified professionals

Both orthopedics and chiropractors are highly educated professionals who are aware of all issues in the musculoskeletal system. They are both trained and qualified to alleviate pain, whether it is in your muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons. They treat various problems such as back and neck pain, joint problems, pinched nerves, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, issues with spinal discs, and injuries caused by whiplash and car accidents.  Nevertheless, the way they approach these issues is very different from one another. Tennis elbow can heal on its own. All you need to do is give your elbow a break. Of course, there are a couple of things that you can do to speed up the healing process. Here are some of the best ways that can help:

The Orthopedic Approach

When you decide to consult an orthopedic for your back pain, you can expect him to prescribe any of the potentially addictive painkillers, or give injections that are directed into the inflamed areas. If the issue is not corrected the orthopedic might even do surgery. Your body might need anywhere between four and 12 weeks of rest to recover from the surgery. If there is an implant that is placed in the surgery, you might experience limited mobility for a certain period of time.

The Chiropractic Approach

As opposed to an orthopedic, a chiropractor never prescribes any drugs or performs any surgery on his patients. His emphasis would be more on improving your spinal health and correcting its alignment. If you are wondering how top rated chiropractors heal your back injury, you should understand that they generally prescribe alternative therapies such as acupuncture and adjustments. These help in treating ailments at their source. Apart from relieving back pain, chiropractors also address issues such as asthma, allergies, migraines, tightness, and stiffness.

It is obvious that you want the best treatment whenever you are experiencing pain. If you have a broken bone or a torn muscle, an orthopedist will be the best person to repair the immediate damage, even if it means going under the knife. A chiropractor’s approach is, however, natural and noninvasive and produces optimal results.

It may not be too difficult to choose between an orthopedist and a chiropractor if you are aware of the severity of your pain. Make sure you ask around and check the reputation of the specialist before booking an appointment.