What is Primary Spine Care?

The Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP) is a professional who is specially trained to provide front-line management for patients with Spine Related Disorders (SRDs). The PSP has the skills necessary to provide differential diagnosis and management for the majority of patients with SRDs without the need for referral. In addition, this practitioner has the ability to recognize those relatively few patients who require special tests (radiography, MRI, laboratory workup) and invasive procedures (injections, surgery) and to serve as “Captain of the Spine Team” for the purpose of providing counseling for the patient, coordination of care and long term follow up.

 

The Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP) is more than likely going to come out of one of the two following healthcare fields: 1) Doctors of Chiropractic (DC)

2) Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT, PT, or MSPT)

 

Dr. Bottesch was traditionally trained as an evidence-informed Doctor of Chiropractic. Other PSPs may be DCs, DPTs, or a combination of DC, DPT degrees. 

 

Chiropractic is a conservative health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.

 

Chiropractic care is used most often to treat musculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. 

 

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment.

 

Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.