Question
When I go to see my chiropractor and something is bad with my spinal canal would the doctor tell me to see a specialist or would he just try to treat me.


Answer
Debbie,

This is a good question.  The chiropractor is supposed to be a spine care specialist.  We are taught in chiropractic college to examine and diagnose spine conditions.  What a chiropractor does after schooling is something else, and there is a significant element in the profession that ignores clinical standards in exchange for providing treatment based on fringe methods or peculiar philosophical ideas.  That being said, if your chiropractor did a history, physical examination, and reviewed the possibilities as to why you have a problem with your spine, then it would also be reasonable to assume that he/she would provide appropriate referral if needed.  If you have a problem that falls outside of what a chiropractor treats, e.g. a fracture, tumor, infection, aneurism, etc., then that chiropractor must honor the professional responsibility to refer to the most appropriate provider, e.g. a PCP, orthopedist, etc.  It works the other way, also, that if your PCP/MD examines you for back pain, then you would deserve a referral to the chiropractor.  

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G

www.drgillman.com