When back pain hits, one of the first questions people ask is: should I go to my doctor or a chiropractor? The answer depends on what’s causing your pain — but for most types of back pain, a chiropractor is an excellent first step. Here’s why.
Chiropractors Are Primary Care Providers
In Alberta, chiropractors are recognized as primary care providers. You don’t need a referral from a medical doctor to book an appointment. Chiropractors complete a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education, including a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree with extensive training in musculoskeletal diagnosis, spinal biomechanics, radiology, and manual therapy.
For conditions involving the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves — which account for the vast majority of back pain cases — this training makes chiropractors particularly well-suited as the first point of contact.
When to See a Chiropractor First
For most types of back pain — including muscle strain, joint restriction, disc-related pain, postural issues, and repetitive strain — chiropractic care is an appropriate and often preferred first-line treatment.
Chiropractors can also order diagnostic imaging when clinically indicated, refer to other healthcare providers when necessary, and coordinate care with your family doctor if needed.
When to See a Medical Doctor First
There are situations where a medical doctor should be your first stop. If your back pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, bowel or bladder dysfunction, or severe progressive neurological symptoms (such as sudden weakness in both legs), these may indicate conditions that require medical investigation first. Your chiropractor is trained to recognize these red flags and will refer you appropriately if any are present during your assessment.
Why Not Both?
Chiropractic care and medical care aren’t competing approaches — they’re complementary. Many of our patients continue to see their family doctor for overall health management while using chiropractic care to address their musculoskeletal concerns. At Full Potential Chiropractic, we work alongside Calgary’s medical community to ensure you get the most appropriate care for your situation.
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