Should I go to the doctor for this?

You are having pain and you're wondering, "should I go to the doctor for this?" Chances are you have encountered this scenario before. Let's take a step back and consider a few things. Do you think your pain has to do with a muscle, joint, or even a nerve problem like a 'pinched nerve?' Perhaps it is your persistent headaches. If so, I would encourage you to first see your chiropractor, and let me explain why. Chiropractors have extensive training in diagnosis and management of these types of conditions, which we term Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) conditions. This means that when you visit the chiropractor for your knee or other joint pain, they can assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment. Also, chiropractors tend to be on the conservative side of the medical spectrum, therefore the least invasive methods of treatment will be initiated in the beginning. When going to a traditional medical practitioner for pain of this nature, many times expensive imaging (think X-rays, MRI, or CT scan) is utilized early on in the process. I believe this is a mistake because there are too many reports of incidental findings being interpreted as the cause of a person's pain and symptoms. James Andrews, the world famous orthopedic surgeon, says "If you want an excuse to do a shoulder surgery, take an MRI." By this he means that the majority of people will have structural problems on a shoulder MRI that really have no meaning clinically. You can now imagine how unnecessary surgeries happen and sometimes people get no relief from surgery. Hopefully you have not experienced that. 

I have spoken to quite a few primary care medical physicians and many times they do not want to see these types of patients anyways. They admit that they do not have very many effective treatments for these types of issues and the patient would be better off getting more manual treatments such as from a chiropractor or physical therapist. Luckily, we have both in our clinic! The primary care physician's time would be better spent dealing with issues they are great with, like internal medicine disorders and minor surgery procedures. 

By taking this conservative approach, we can save money both personally and for the healthcare system by eliminating expensive tests and procedures that are not necessary. If you are having pain and wondering if it is worth getting checked out, see the chiropractor for reassurance and safe, effective treatment!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Joel Ardner