Why is chiropractor referred to as junk medicine but so many people go to then and are covered by benefits?

Question

I know so many people to go to a chiropractor on a weekly basis and either pay out of pocket or have benefits cover it BUT I seen articles or posts pop up that refer to it as junk junk medicine and on the same level as a holistic practitioner???

In: Biology

Answer 1

I am an Osteopathic physician. We can be considered somewhat of the “bridge” between mainstream “Allopathic” medicine and “alternative” schools of medicine like Chiropractic, Naturopathic, and Eastern.

I did the same medical school prerequisites in college as mainstream pre-med students, four years of medical school with the same curriculum as normal medical school (but with one class a week on osteopathic medicine), and I went to a board certified allopathic (standard) emergency medicine residency. I practice emergency medicine as an ER doctor with MDs as my colleagues. And I am even the assistant director at my job, so I have MDs employed under me, and also supervise Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

Since I work in an ER, I do not really use or employ my Osteopathic techniques or principles, just by the nature of the patients and issues I see in the ER. In the interest of treating emergencies, I do believe Allopathic (mainstream) medicine is still the safest and most well-researched school of medicine with regards to treating people in an Emergency Department or Trauma setting. That being said, I am ALWAYS open to discussing with patients the alternative paths of follow-up treatment after they leave the ER, with the caveat that they MUST keep their primary care provider in the loop.

I just gave you a brief synopsis of my creds, because I wanted to say that I personally do believe in the utility of alternative medicine such as Chiropractic medicine. I believe many aspects of it can bring great improvement to patients. I do understand that they are not under the same standards, as say, the teachings and practice of an MD, but as long as the science and physiology explanation is sound and verified, I believe all alternative medicine should be considered and discussed between each patient’s trusted primary provider who knows them well.

My advice: Get a primary care provider (MD, DO, PA, NP). Make sure this is someone you trust, can explain to you their reasoning, is open to discussion, and can discuss with you all the available opens of care, even including osteopathic, chiropractic, naturopathic, etc. modalities of care.