Chiropractic care is typically highly effective and more conservative in nature than medical treatment. In many cases, it should be tried prior to more invasive care such as drug therapy, cortisone injection therapy, and surgery. As do orthopedic medical doctors, Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in treating musculoskeletal pain and problems. Chiropractors use many of the same diagnostic techniques as medical doctors to determine the cause of the problem. However, rather than waiting for a problem to develop that shows up on special studies like x-rays and MRIs, we look for more subtle indicators that a problem may be in the early stages of development and treat it before it has a chance to become more serious.
Chiropractors are actually more conservative in their treatment approach.
Rather than using drugs and surgery, chiropractic care emphasizes a hands-on approach that assists the body in healing itself. Chiropractors use treatments including joint manipulation, massage, physiotherapy, exercise, and nutritional support. Chiropractic care attempts to treat the cause of pain or a problem rather than simply masking or covering up the symptoms. Often chiropractors are able to find the source of a musculoskeletal problem not seen by a medical doctor because we understand that something may be wrong long before it shows up on standard medical tests. If appropriate, chiropractors work with or refer patients to medical doctors and other health care professionals.