Do Chiropractors prescribe Medications? 3 common meds

Do chiropractors prescribe medications?

The answer to this question is a resounding “no.” Chiropractors are natural healthcare providers with a philosophy that the body can heal itself effectively, in many cases. Chiropractors may refer their patients to medical doctors for medication when necessary, but they do not prescribe it themselves.

In recent years, however, there has been a push by some in the profession to earn rights to prescribe meds, and it’s a topic of hot debate in some states. I believe there are pros and cons to each side.

I will also address if they give out muscle relaxants or antibiotics, and discuss chiropractors’ attitudes toward big pharma, and medications generally.

If you are looking for a natural healthcare option that does not involve medications, then seeing a chiropractor may be right for you.

Do chiropractors prescribe muscle relaxants?

Chiropractors do not prescribe muscle-relaxing medication, such as diazepam, despite many people visiting a chiropractic office for skeletal and muscle-related pain, such as:

• knee pain from wearing flat shoes
• bursitis causing hip pain
• Nerve pinching and muscle spasm

Not even in California, or Texas?

Only qualified medical professionals can prescribe muscle relaxants. Therefore, chiropractors, osteopaths, or massage therapists cannot prescribe them. They can only be prescribed by a medical doctor or in some cases nurse practitioners, who are licensed to practice in the state where the patient resides.

While muscle relaxants are generally safe and effective, they can have some serious side effects and can lead to dependence or addiction. This places them in a category of drugs that must be prescribed by a medically-licensed professional.

Do chiropractors prescribe antibiotics?

No, chiropractors do not prescribe antibiotics because, in the United States and most other countries, there are specific laws that regulate the prescribing of these drugs, and infections are not treated by chiropractors.

The laws are meant to ensure that doctors use antibiotics appropriately and only when necessary. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to consequences such as the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Do you need to see a doctor to take probiotics?

Chiropractors can provide probiotics, as they are regulated simply as dietary supplements. This means that they do not require a prescription from a medical doctor across the United states, Europe, UK, and Australia.

Given their wide array of benefits, including improved digestion, strengthened immunity, and reduced inflammation, you can see why many chiropractors encourage the use of probiotics. 

Probiotics are widely available and can also be found in many grocery and health food stores, so you can pick some up yourself fairly easily.

How do Chiropractors feel about Drugs?

Chiropractors have long been a controversial profession, and the debate over their prescribing rights is no exception. While some within the profession argue that allowing chiropractors to prescribe medication would improve patient care, others contend that it goes against the very philosophy of chiropractic.

I do see the benefit of chiro’s being able to administer corticosteroid anti-inflammatory injections, for example, as these are often needed to settle down very painful knee, spine or shoulder conditions, and make the underlying cause easier to fix.

But would most chiropractors want to have this extra service available in their clinics? I’m not sure.

So, watch this space.

At our office, we focus on providing natural and holistic care to our patients every day. We believe that the body has an incredible, innate ability to heal itself and that pharmaceutical meds have a place when necessary.

How do you feel about Chiro’s possibly one-day prescribing medications – such as muscle relaxants, steroidal medications, or chronic pain meds? Let our community know below in the comments.