Red Flags for Chiropractors: What You Need to Know
At the Chronic Conditions Center in Pittsburgh, we want to make sure you get the right care at the right time. Chiropractors are great at treating many common problems, but there are some warning signs that mean you should see a medical doctor first. These warning signs are referred to as “red flags.”
When to See a Medical Doctor First
Some health problems need a medical doctor’s attention before visiting a chiropractor. These include signs that might point to serious issues like fractures (broken bones), cancer, or infections.
Watch out for these red flags:
- Pain that gets worse when you rest or lie down
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or chills along with your pain
- Severe pain that doesn’t get better with rest
- Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
- A history of cancerPain that wakes you up at night
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a medical doctor first. They can run tests to rule out serious conditions that need different treatment.
What Chiropractors Treat Safely
The good news is that chiropractors can safely and effectively treat many common problems. At our center, we regularly help patients with:
- Muscle strains from lifting or overuse
- Ligament sprains from sports or daily activities
- Arthritis pain and stiffness
- Nerve damage, like peripheral neuropathy
- Headaches and migraines
- Injuries from car accidents
- Sports injuries
These are called musculoskeletal problems, which means they affect your muscles, bones, and joints. Chiropractic care works really well for both acute problems (new injuries that just happened) and chronic problems (pain that’s lasted a long time).
Making the Right Choice
At the Chronic Conditions Center, your safety comes first. If you’re not sure whether chiropractic care is right for you, don’t worry. We can help you figure out the best path forward. Sometimes that means seeing a medical doctor first, and sometimes it means starting chiropractic treatment right away.
Remember, red flags are there to protect you. When caught early, serious conditions can be treated more successfully. For everything else, we’re here to help you feel better and get back to doing what you love.