Chiropractors Can Save the World!
Written by: James Demetrious, DC, DABCO
Diplomate, American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists
Medical Shortages
The Association of American Medical Colleges has estimated that the U.S. may experience a deficit of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. That shortage is expected to affect both primary- and specialty-care fields.
This reality is coming to fruition. Patients are increasingly unable to attain timely medical assessments and care.
Primary care physicians and specialists are ill-equipped to provide adequate care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
Doctors of Chiropractic Can Meet the Needs of our Nation
During the Covid pandemic, chiropractors stepped up in service to the people of our country. During a time of sequestration and isolation, patients were unable to seek medical care for many neuromusculoskeletal conditions through their medical providers.
At risk to themselves and their families, chiropractors saw patients during the pandemic and alleviated the burden on the medical system by caring for patients with spinal pain and related conditions.
For those patients who required medical assessment, chiropractic patients were triaged and efficient referrals were made.
Chiropractors are Quarterbacks
Chiropractic physicians have the advanced training to differential assess patients with complex medical complaints. In doing so, guided and appropriate referrals for emergent and non-emergent medical care can be made while reducing the burden on the medical system.
Chiropractors should be the primary and initial source of care for patients with neuromusculoskeletal complaints.
An Instructive Case
A 56-year-old female, presented to my office with complaints of acute mid-back pain of one-week duration. She was frustrated as her urgent care and subsequent cardiology assessment offered cursory examinations and no relief.
Upon inspection of the patient, I visualized massive ecchymosis affecting the left flank (Grey Turner’s sign). The bruise was non-tender. She emphatically denied any recent trauma or injuries.
Grey Turner’s sign is often associated with and predictive of developing acute pancreatitis and other significant emergent conditions that require medical care. The patient needed immediate comprehensive CBC with differential, comprehensive chem panel, Prothrombin Time, and pancreatic lipase lab assessments. She also needed a CT evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate the pancreas and retroperitoneal regions for sources of extravasating blood.
Over the holiday weekend, I directed her to go to our local hospital emergency department for care. Her differential diagnostic assessment was acute pancreatitis. She was stabilized and referred back to her PCP.
Chiropractors are Essential Physicians and Caregivers
In chiropractic, we have the training and dedication to properly assess our patients, alleviate their suffering through chiropractic care, and make appropriate referrals to medical ancillary providers, when necessary.
The Role of PostGradDC
At PostGradDC we offer advanced coursework to improve differential diagnostic assessment and therapeutic outcomes.
We offer extensive CE coursework related to this topic at PostGradDC.com:
— Chiropractic Case Management: Medical Error
PostGradDC offers advanced post-graduate chiropractic continuing education. Our founder, Dr. James Demetrious, is an internationally distinguished board-certified chiropractic orthopedist, educator, author, and editor. Register for coursework at PostGradDC.com.
