We get a lot of calls from people who have injured their back on the job. In fact, it’s probably the most common call that we get.
Many of these callers start their medical treatment off by going to a chiropractor. If you have a minor strain, that is fine, but if you have radiating pain down your leg which is a sign of a herniated disc, in our opinion you need to go see an orthopedic doctor.
Most chiro’s are good at short term care. They aren’t usually equipped to treat a long term problem like a herniated disc. You tell you have a disc problem by getting a MRI. Orthopedic doctors regularly treat and cure herniated disc issues in their patients.
But please don’t take this post as health advice. We are not doctors and don’t tell our clients who to treat with unless they ask for help. Nothing is more important than your health and we trust you to make the right decision for your life. This recommendation is a legal one.
We say that because courts over the years have made crystal clear that they will always favor the opinion of an orthopedic doctor over a chiropractor. So if the insurance company sends you to an orthopedic doctor for an exam and they testify against you at a trial, an Arbitrator or Judge is likely to give much greater respect to their opinion compared to a chiropractor.
In fact, if you try to just rely on a chiro and the insurance company has an ortho, we’d bet any amount of money that you’d lose your case.
Nothing says you can’t see both doctors as long as that treatment is reasonable and necessary. But you don’t want to lose a case because you didn’t follow legal precedent.
This all happened because some chiropractors over treat and over bill their patients. Much like how some lawyers get lumped in with the other bad apples, courts tend to look at all chiropractors as over treating if they don’t solve a health problem within a month or so.
So if your back is bothering you and you are going on a month or more. Go see an orthopedic doctor if you want to help your health. And your case.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
