The primary reason you should see a chiropractor instead of an MD is for "joint dysfunction",we call this a “subluxation.” The problem is the same with either term. “What is that?” Medical doctors and chiropractors use different terms so I’ll try to list some of the more common diagnoses terms and explain why and how a DC should be preferred over an MD for those conditions.

Back pain of any kind. I say this, knowing that there are causes of back pain that a chiropractor cannot treat. HOWEVER, (and did you notice the capital letters?)They should be a first line provider when it comes to back pain. The advantage of seeing a chiropractor first for back pain is that is their expertise. They have had more class and clinical hours studying and treating the back than the average MD. Therefore, they are better equipped to diagnose and treat. They can also treat most back pain generators. Even the studies with the worst outcomes show that chiropractic is better than standard medical treatments (most show better results) for low back pain with higher patient satisfaction, and lower risk.

If you’ve been in a car accident, after visiting the ER, and in the absence of serious findings there you should proceed to your chiropractor as quickly as possible. The ER doctors will often say something along the lines of well we can’t find anything on your tests, it looks like you have a little (fill in the blank…whiplash, sprain/strain, pulled muscles, bruising, etc…). They will usually send you home with a prescription for some pain medication. They don’t deny the pain or the injury, they just don’t have any medication to treat these injuries. They do have medication to mask the pain, which is your body screaming for help! These injuries are what chiropractors deal with. Like MDs, DCs cannot cure a sprain or a strain, but they can improve healing time, and reduce pain without the risk/side effects that medication has.

Pregnancy back and muscle aches. This statement is not intended to negate the need for medical monitoring of a pregnancy. Chiropractors should not be substituting for an OB/Gyn. With pregnancy however most medications are out, due to possible harm to the baby. In this circumstance you want your treatments to be as natual as possible. Again, that is a chiropractors realm, natural and conservative care.

Headaches are one of those areas that Chiropractors work with everyday. Most headaches are just tension headaches, and Chiropractors has a very high success rate treating them. They also have great success with regular headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, etc. Because the cause of headaches vary so much you could start at your chiropractor. The advantage of chiropractic is that it is more conservative, and they won’t start with drugs.

Difficulty moving, such as when you bend down and can’t stand back up, or you can’t turn your head properly to back up your car. Stiffness or soreness is also something to go see a chiropractor about. Basically anytime you have a mechanical problem be it muscles, bones, or joint structures head to your chiropractor.

Repetative stress injuries, whether they be work related, sports related, performance related, or what ever.Yes, get to your chiropractor for relief.

A chiropractor is a primary care provider and you should be able to go see your chiropractor for any reason, and he should be able to help you either through chiropractic treatment or by referring you on to the person who you should see.