Chiropractors are graduate-level health professionals who have graduated as “Doctors of Chiropractic.” Though they are not medical doctors, each chiropractor has received extensive training and is licensed to provide chiropractic care. And chiropractors don’t just study and work with the spine – they’re also experts on nerves and the nervous system.
Many potential patients are timid when first seeking out a chiropractor, as they don’t know much about chiropractors or chiropractic care. However, chiropractors spend just as much time studying the body, and how it works, as a medical doctor does. Instead of learning about pharmacology and medications, chiropractors spend years learning how to adjust spines properly – and provide natural pain relief.
Chiropractic Is One of the Safest Modes of Healthcare
Even the most timid patients are impressed when we tell them that we have a 95% rate of relieving patients’ pain (related to their most common complaints).
In addition, we know that only a small minority of our patients experience any adverse effects as a result of chiropractic care. And when we say “adverse effects,” we’re talking about some minor, additional soreness – not any damaging or lasting pain. (For more information on the safety of chiropractic treatment, click here.)
Do I Need a Referral for Chiropractic Care?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to receive chiropractic care. While your health insurance plan may include more stringent referral requirements, most allow patients to visit a chiropractor without consulting with their primary care physician.
Doctors of chiropractic are recognized as primary care providers in all 50 states, and as such, they can diagnose related conditions and develop plans for treatment. That said, you can schedule an initial consultation with a chiropractor any time – and rest easy knowing that they are licensed to provide expert pain relief and care.
