Sports injuries, lifestyle factors, and other issues can all lead to debilitating back pain that affects every aspect of your life. If you’re living with chronic pain, a chiropractor is one of the preferred medical solutions for treatment. It’s important to understand their services before going, however. Chiropractors have a defined scope of services, and you’ll likely want to speak with your entire health care team when treating the issue to ensure comprehensive care.

3 Tips to Know Before Scheduling a Chiropractor Appointment

1. You Don’t Need a Referral

Don’t delay a trip to the chiropractor because you don’t want to jump through the hoops of referrals and seeing your primary care physician. If you’ve suffered sports injuries or other issues, you don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor. Simply call an office to speak with their front desk about scheduling. Just make sure you’re choosing a practice covered by your health insurance. 

2. They Can’t Prescribe Medication

While medication for pain management should be a last resort, it can be helpful during recovery. If you’re looking for a prescription, you’ll need to speak with your primary care physician, as chiropractors aren’t allowed to prescribe medications. The chiropractor can, however, weigh in on alternative remedies, which is why it’s best to have them speak with your primary care physician about whether medication is necessary.

3. Results Take Time

When it comes to back pain from sports injuries and related issues, you need to understand how chiropractic care helps. During your early sessions, your chiropractor will provide temporary relief with spinal adjustments. To resolve a problem, however, they’ll create a personalized recovery plan consisting of exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes to make. Recovery takes time, and there may be more challenges ahead, so be realistic when visiting a chiropractor. 

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, and other issues, turn to Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester. Located in Rochester, NY, their experienced and board-certified team of orthopedic surgeons offers a variety of treatments, including shoulder repair and hip replacement, and they’ll take every step to ensure you get lasting results. Call (585) 723-3000 today to schedule an appointment and visit them online to explore their practice further.