How to Talk to Your Primary Care Physician About Chiropractic

While Tuck Chiropractic does not require you to have a PCP referral to become a patient, we realize that the security in knowing your everyday doctor approves of your decision is reassuring.

In a world with an endless array of medical specialties, your primary care physician (PCP) typically serves as your go-to resource for your general health and wellness based on along and trusting relationship. You may frequently pass up the opportunity to see a specialist based on the familiar relationship you already hold with your PCP. In fact, studies show that 10-15% of all visits to a PCP are for musculoskeletal problems. In this case, it could be beneficial to seek out a professional that has a more focused area of practice.
If you’re feeling apprehensive about finding the right doctor in the right discipline for your particular needs, the best thing you can do is ask your primary care provider. Your doctor is familiar with your health history and knows any special nuances another a specialist may need to be aware of. This is the perfect opportunity to get a referral! It’s likely that your doctor already has a rolodex of go-to healthcare professionals in a variety of disciplines that they use to refer their patients to. All you have to do is start the conversation.

Recognize When You Need Alternative Care

Let’s imagine that you recently injured your back while doing yard work around the house. While you may be no stranger to managing acute back pain, this instance is significantly worse than previous problems. Instead of visiting your doctor to get a prescription for a stronger pain medication, you could discuss alternatives with your doctor.
The doctors at Tuck Chiropractic Clinics have worked hard to reach out to doctors across disciplines to build collaborative relationships to provide the best care possible to patients across the board. We believe your doctor will have your best interest at heart and should know exactly what kind of specialist can help you.

Be Honest About Your Needs

We recently discussed how important it is to be honest with your chiropractor about your level of pain and your lifestyle. That rings true for this situation, too. If you’re looking to make a change in the way you approach your healthcare and wellness, you have to be open and honest with your doctor about it. Make sure you are clear about the pain you are experiencing and that you are seeking new ways to manage that pain. While most people assume chiropractors can only treat your back pain, we can ultimately treat any issue involving the musculoskeletal system with chiropractic adjustments alone, or by working alongside other specialists.

Ask For Options

At the end of the day, you should have the power to make your own decisions about your healthcare. While doctors can be a great part of the vetting process, it’s also important to due your own due diligence before making your choice. If you need some guidelines on what to look for in a chiropractor, the American Chiropractic Association has provided a list of best practices for choosing wisely. If you have any questions about our style of care, feel free to call any of our offices! We’re here to help.