Telemedicine in Chiropractic Care


Each and every day, we see a new technological development come about that transforms medicine as we know it. A more recent development in the technological applications of medicine is the concept of telemedicine. This process involves the use of technology in interfacing between physicians and patients regarding a patient’s health outcomes, diagnostics, and other relevant information that can be discussed without the patient actually being at the practice. This is usually conducted either over the phone or via some sort of digital channel such as Skype, Google Hangout, or any other platform that gives both parties the opportunity for visual representation.

In chiropractic care, professionals are catching on to the use of telemedicine in their practice. While chiropractic professionals may not be able to perform adjustments or spinal manipulations without the patient present in their office, they can usually get an idea of what the patient is experiencing from communication about the patient’s symptoms. If it is not a serious condition and the patient is experiencing some discomfort, the chiropractor can use telemedicine to offer the patient at-home remedies, exercises, and any other relevant information that can help the patient try to tackle the problem from the comfort of their own home.

Telemedicine is not meant to replace the interpersonal element of chiropractic care and if a patient is in a position where he or she needs an adjustment, it is recommended that the patient visit the clinic and not put off treatment. It is also not meant to lighten the load for chiropractors and to make their jobs easier. However, using this type of technology can help patients establish confidence in themselves to treat their own musculoskeletal problems, learn from chiropractic professionals, and overall, make healthcare more accessible across the board.

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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Jon Fingas