Should You See a Podiatrist or a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

Back pain can curtail your activities and have a profound effect on your life. When you're looking for relief, it can be hard to decide if you should see a doctor or try to manage the symptoms on your own. It can also be difficult to decide where to turn if you do require medical attention.

Individuals who experience back pain often find that their symptoms improve with conservative methods, such as:

• Rest
• Stretching and massage
• Hot and cold therapy
• Better shoes
• Insoles and orthotics
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

However, for some, home care just isn't enough and the pain persists or gets worse. If this is the case for you, consider a professional evaluation.

Chiropractors typically address lower back pain with manual manipulations of the spine. This can help with back pain that results from musculoskeletal issues. If your back pain is due to an injury, your doctor may recommend a chiropractor for pain relief. Always seek a medical evaluation following an injury so that you can get the proper treatment necessary for healing. For general back pain that didn't start with an injury, a chiropractor may also be helpful.

If you suspect that an issue with your feet may be responsible for your back pain, there are at-home methods that may help. Many people turn to conservative interventions first, including:

• Quality shoes
• Shoe inserts
• Icing
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Stretching and massage

If you've made an effort to reduce back pain by addressing your foot issues on your own and you're not getting enough relief or the problem is getting even worse, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist. They can perform a full evaluation to get to the bottom of your pain. They can then make treatment recommendations.

There are situations where you may require more than one healthcare professional. Specialists often work together for a holistic approach to pain resolution. If you have any doubts about what to do, contact your primary healthcare provider. They can advise you on where to start.

A podiatrist specializes in problems with feet and ankles, not necessarily lower back pain. However, sometimes, foot and ankle problems are the cause of lower back pain.

If you choose to see a podiatrist, they will likely evaluate how your feet function day-to-day. They may look at your arch height and foot alignment in various positions. They can also check for high arches, flat feet and overpronation by watching you walk or run. They may look at your heel strikes and assess how your ankle moves as well as issues such as range of motion and stability.

Your shoes can also provide clues. The shoes could be a source of pain, or they could have uneven wear patterns that point to the problem.

A podiatrist can address foot issues that contribute to your back pain with a variety of different treatments. These might include exercises, insoles or orthotics, footwear recommendations or other interventions.

Chiropractors focus on musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that directly involve your spine and connected joints. They can evaluate your anatomy, any conditions you may have and any past injuries. While the main focus of a chiropractor is making manual adjustments, they may also offer additional services, such as stretching and massage. They may also recommend additional therapies that can complement regular chiropractic appointments, such as icing and taping.

During your first appointment, the chiropractor will talk to you about your pain. They may ask about when it started, how intense it is and if there's anything that makes it worse or better. They may also ask about your lifestyle and any regular activities that may be causing issues. They will likely perform a physical exam, which may involve asking you to move or stand in certain positions. In some cases, tests, such as X-rays, may be ordered to assess the spine and other joints of the lower body.

Treatment is tailored to the individual, but typically, you'll lie on a table while the chiropractor uses an instrument or their hands to perform spinal manipulation.

While effective for some individuals, chiropractic care isn't appropriate for all types of back pain. If your pain is severe or there are other symptoms, such as fever or numbness, you should seek immediate medical attention.

To get an indication about whether it's best to see a podiatrist or chiropractor, consider both your symptoms and the likely cause of your back pain if possible. You might consider a podiatrist if you have lower back pain that seems to correspond with activities that impact the feet, or if your back pain is accompanied by foot pain. A chiropractor may be appropriate if your pain feels like it's related directly to an issue of the back, such as a soft tissue injury, or if it seems to be related to spinal mechanics. If in doubt, see your primary care physician.

It's also important to consider your goal. A podiatrist will focus on improving mobility and mechanics in your lower body, starting with your feet. A chiropractor aims to improve your mobility and function specifically in your spine and surrounding joints.

When it comes to back pain, there are specialists other than chiropractors and podiatrists who may be able to help. Your primary care provider can perform an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist or recommend other providers as necessary. Your primary provider may want to conduct additional tests to get a better idea of what's causing your back pain before making any recommendations.

It may also be appropriate to start with your primary care provider if your pain is new, persistent or getting worse. They can review your history and medications, screen for any underlying causes and refer you to a specialist for further investigation or more advanced treatment.

Your primary care provider may also refer you to a physical therapist. In some cases, stretching and strengthening exercises can be very beneficial for lower back pain. A physical therapist can develop a plan and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly in order to get the most benefits and reduce the risk of injury.

You may require an orthopedist or other specialist if you have had a serious injury. Radiating, persistent pain or discomfort that limits your ability to function may also call for an orthopedic doctor.

There are certain symptoms that indicate a need for a medical evaluation. These include:

• Tingling or numbness in legs
• Worsening pain or pain that doesn't improve
• Swelling or bruising in the lower back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cancer history with new back pain

You should seek immediate medical attention if you have severe back pain after a fall or another type of accident. You should also see a medical professional right away if you have any of these additional symptoms:

• New bladder or bowel control issues
• Fever

When you have back pain, it can be tricky to know when to seek the help of a medical professional. It's also difficult to know who to turn to. When in doubt, start with your primary care provider. They can perform an initial evaluation and if you do need a specialist, they can refer you or make recommendations.

If you'd prefer to try at-home therapies, supportive footwear in addition to insoles or orthotics may be beneficial if the pain is foot-related. Dr. Scholl's Advanced Pain Relief Insoles can be easily incorporated into a broader plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter treatments. The insoles are designed to support the entire lower body, reducing strain and stress on the lower back.

Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.