Can a Chiropractor Help With Knee Pain? What You Should Know

Risks and Safety

Some mild discomfort, stiffness, and tiredness after an adjustment is normal and will usually go away in less than 48 hours. Serious complications are very uncommon, but there is a slight risk of stroke with neck adjustments. Adjusting the neck has been associated with stroke in a very small number of cases. There is also some evidence to suggest adjusting the neck can worsen problems in the discs. Before adjustments, it is important to let your chiropractor know if you have any of the following conditions: blood-thinning medications, cancer, neurological symptoms, osteoporosis, or if you have had surgery to your spine.

Chiproractic Medicine vs. Spine Specialists

New patients look up both ‘chiropractic medicine’ and ‘spine specialist near me’ as they are not exactly the same. Chiropractic is more hands-on and surgical. A spine specialist is either an orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor), or a pain medicine physician, and can order imaging, write a prescription, perform injections and/or surgery if necessary.

New-onset back pain without any ‘red flags’ can be treated by a chiropractor, physical therapist or primary care doctor to begin. If pain becomes severe or worsens, or if there is nerve damage, a spine specialist should be seen next. Many people end up seeing both types of specialists for back issues.

How to Choose a Good Chiropractor

To choose a good chiropractor in any city, including Chicago, there are a few steps to take.

1. Check your state’s license board to see if the chiropractor is licensed.

2. Read reviews to see if the provider communicates well, makes a treatment plan the patient is okay with, and treats the patient with respect.

3. Find out the treatment plan and what is expected of the patient. A good chiropractor will explain the treatment, expected progress and number of visits.

4. Watch out for the following red flags; scare tactics, making patients feel like they need to prepay for a long package of treatment, or stating/believing that they can cure any/all diseases.

5. A good clinic works with other facilities and providers like physicians and physical therapists.