Primary care providers
Primary care physicians (M.D.)
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)
A medical doctor, doctor of chiropractic, or doctor
of osteopathy is a practitioner of the healing arts
who examines patients, analyzes the results of laboratory
tests, diagnoses and treats the patient's medical condition,
and advises the patient about methods of preventive
health care. Doctors differ from pure scientists in
that medicine is a marriage of the biological sciences
and the humanities and must apply his or her scientific
knowledge in the context of patient care.
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Primary care physicians (M.D.)—types
of primary care physicians typically include family
practice doctors, internists, obstetricians, gynecologists,
and pediatricians (as well as chiropractors and doctors
of osteopathy, reviewed below). As back pain is extremely
common, these doctors often have extensive experience
in treating acute lower back pain and muscle strains.
Primary care physicians have a non-invasive (non-surgical)
approach and often utilize prescription medications
to help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as the
services of physical therapists to assist in maintaining
range of motion and muscle tone. Often, they may order
a variety of spinal diagnostic procedures to more
fully investigate the potential causes of persistent
back pain and neck pain and refer patients to a specialist
for further diagnosis and treatment.
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Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)—Chiropractors
diagnose and treat back and neck pain and are considered
by definition primary care physicians as they are
often the first doctor a patient will visit when experiencing
back pain. Chiropractors, also known as doctors of
chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose
and treat patients whose health problems are associated
with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems,
especially the spine.
Chiropractic education consists of four academic years of chiropractic training, as well as a one-year internship at a college clinic. Successful completion of 2 levels of National Boards is required for chiropractors and a third level for those who use physiologic therapeutics in their practice. Part IV is often used for state licensing and tests knowledge of diagnostic imaging, chiropractic technique, and case management.
The chiropractic profession holds that spinal or vertebral
dysfunction alters many important body functions by
affecting the nervous system, and that skeletal imbalance
through joint or articular dysfunction - especially
in the spine - can cause pain and/or dysfunction.
As with all healthcare practitioners, chiropractors
follow a standard routine to secure the information
needed for diagnosis and treatment. When the source
of pain involves musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors
manually manipulate or adjust the spinal column. Many
chiropractors also use water, light, massage, ultrasound,
electric, and heat therapy and may apply supports
such as straps, taping and braces. They may also counsel
patients about wellness concepts such as nutrition,
exercise, lifestyle changes, and stress management,
but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. When
appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer
patients to other health practitioners.
Some chiropractors specialize in orthopedics, sports
injuries, neurology, nutrition, internal disorders,
and/or diagnostic imaging. Chiropractic is considered
an integral part of the back care team as noted in
many guidelines published in this and other countries
and many chiropractors have joined multidisciplinary
spine care practices.
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- Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)—Osteopathic
medicine is one of the two health fields nationally
recognized as complete schools of medicine. Osteopathic
Physicians, also known as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
or Doctors of Osteopathy ( D.O.) diagnose and treat
all illnesses and injuries and emphasize preventive
care, with special emphasis on:
- The need for the body's systems to be in correct
relationship with one another
- The importance of the neuro-musculoskeletal system
(nerves, muscles, bones, and joints)
Treatments commonly include manipulative therapy,
medication, and all other therapies when needed. Osteopathic
physicians can be licensed in all 50 states for the
full practice of medicine. Most states require licensed
D.O.’s be graduates of an approved school of
osteopathic medicine and have completed a 12-month
internship with an approved hospital program.
In addition to primary care-focused doctors of osteopathy,
some D.O.’s are specialized in an area of medicine
(as are some Medical Doctors) and may become Board
Certified by completing a 3 to 4 year residency within
the specialty area, such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery,
physiatry, or anesthesiology. (See Specialty care
physicians.)
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