5429 Russell Ave. NW
#300, Seattle, WA 98107
Give us a Call

(206) 783-6000

Seattle Chiropractor or Medical Doctor for Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common condition that affects a majority of the population. Initially, most people tend to gravitate towards self-care and home remedies to alleviate the pain. There comes the point where self-treatment just won’t cut it, and you may have to see a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing pain and you want to treat your lower back in Seattle, you may wonder if you are supposed to see a chiropractor or a medical doctor. This concise article addresses this issue so that you can make the best decision for your health.

When would I need to visit a medical doctor?

A qualified chiropractor can effectively handle lower back pain and help you to feel lasting relief. People with lower back pain who have seen a chiropractor have reported relief from pain. Chiropractic care can also improve your posture and movement. Even healthcare experts and authorities worldwide have repeatedly stated that chiropractic care has a lot of benefits. Unfortunately, there are some cases of lower back pain where a chiropractor might not be helpful. You must know the distinction so that you get the best from your treatments.

Some of the symptoms which raise the alarm include

  • Chronic pain that is accompanied by cold sweats and fevers
  • Chronic pain that causes restlessness and difficulty in sleeping at night
  • Loss of bladder control

Furthermore, some symptoms like the ones mentioned below are better if an orthopedist attends to them than a chiropractor

  • Numbness or tingling in the legs
  • Radiating pain from the back to the leg
  • Weakness in the muscles of the leg

When patients exhibit the symptoms outlined above, it could be a sign that they have some other condition apart from a strain in their lumbar muscle or the ligament. Chiropractic care can be effective in treating underlying problems of ligament sprain or muscle strain.

If the patient has severe issues like tumors in the spine, chiropractic care will not be effective. Such a patient should seek the attention of a medical doctor instead. 

Chiropractic manipulation in such extreme cases might worsen the patient’s health instead of bringing healing and pain relief. It can also lead to more complications such as irritation of the nerve and increased acute back pain. 

Chiropractors are known for effectively treating back pain, but the underlying cause of the condition must be determined so that the wrong treatment approach isn’t applied. Deciding whether to visit a chiropractor or see a medical doctor can be challenging. You would be better off discussing it with the appropriate health care professional.

If your lower back pain has been certified safe for a chiropractor to handle, you should choose a qualified chiropractor. If you are having trouble finding one, standard associations like the American chiropractic association can help you select a professional chiropractor that you can easily access. That will help your journey to getting relief from low back pain so much easier.

Treating lower back pain at Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center

The Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center is one of the best places where you can get the most effective treatment for lower back issues. Dr. Jerry Thomas Weider Jr DC, the leading chiropractor at the clinic, has years of experience in attending to patients suffering from lower back pain. His patients have reported feeling relief after just a few sessions. You can be one of them too. Visit our Seattle, WA chiropractic practice today for low back pain treatment. All you have to do is contact us.

References

contact us

Content Reviewed by
Dr. Jerry Thomas Weider is a main provider at Ballard Seattle chiropractic center
Doctor Of Chiropractic