Can Chiropractors write prescriptions for pain medications?

My boyfriend hurt his back at work last week and has been going to a Chiropractor every day for the last 4 days in a row. He is in a lot of pain and I told him he should ask his Chiropractor to write a prescription for pain medication for him. My boyfriend told me that he didn't think they could write pain medication prescriptions, but since his Chiropractor's title is "Doctor" I told him I thought that he could. Just want to know if this is so as he goes again tonight after work. (If the Chiropractor can't write prescriptions, then my boyfriend needs to call today to set up an appointment with his PCP-just trying to figure out if he should call or not!!!)

Thanks for all your great anwers - I really appreciate it!! I too think he should be seen by his PCP (not just for the meds but to be referred on and further evaluated), but he doesn't want to go unless he absolutely has to because as he says "my co-pay is ridiculous and he'll order all kinds of tests that I can't afford right now". Having a bad back myself (2 surgeries to date) I know that the spine is nothing to mess with but I can't convince him. I figure that if the pain doesn't let up over the weekend, after going to the Chiropractor every day this past week, he'll be ready to go see someone else on Monday! Thanks again!!

Unfortunately no. Here is a review of the powers of many major medical positions.

Osteopaths (DO鈥揹octor of osteopathy) (doctors trained with a broader understanding of body mechanics and manipulation of the spinal column, head, muscles and general body architecture). Many but not all osteopathic doctors continue to practice their manipulative skills after specialty training, which is often completed in the same teaching institutions that MDs train in. There are osteopaths who specialize in, and are board certified in, manipulation. Osteopathic doctors can write prescriptions and order diagnostic testing. They also have a broad spectrum of training which includes the practice of general and specialty medicine.

Chiropractors (experts in manipulation and body mechanics). Chiropractors鈥?scope of practice is restricted to manipulation, although authority can vary by state law and regulation.

Naturopath 鈥?a reasonable alternative if licensed in your state. Some naturopathic doctors have medical degrees and are licensed (in 12 states). Others consider themselves 鈥渢raditional naturopaths鈥?and do not have medical degrees. Naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies to achieve health and emphasizes prevention and self-healing.

Nurse practitioner 鈥?a reasonable alternative if licensed in your state. A registered nurse with special training for providing primary health care, including many tasks customarily performed by a doctor. Nurse practitioners order tests and procedures, diagnose and treat and manage acute and chronic diseases, prescribe medications, and promote health. Specialties include family practice, women鈥檚, infants, and children鈥檚 health, geriatrics, emergency, oncology, and primary care. They are often licensed in their states and certified by national organizations.

Physician鈥檚 assistant (PA) 鈥?a reasonable alternative if licensed in your state. Licensed to practice medicine under a doctor鈥檚 supervision, physician assistants make medical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and can write prescriptions in virtually all states.

Physiatrists (experts in physical medicine and body mechanics). A physiatrist (fizz ee at' trist) is an MD or DO specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He or she treats a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries, focusing on all the major systems in the body and on restoring function. Some physiatrists specialize in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, pediatrics, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and sports medicine.

Acupuncturists come in two different broad categories: physician (M.D., D.O or ND) and non-physician (Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Chiropractor, etc.). Requirements for the number of hours required to meet licensure or certification standards vary from state to state.

Massage therapists are thankfully being increasingly required to meet certain minimum standards of training and office hygiene. Massage alone may not 鈥渃ure鈥?lower back pain, but it can help when stress causes an exacerbation of pain and muscle tension. It can also be taught to a family member to help minimize the expense of frequent massage visits.

They can't write prescriptions.

no

No, they can't write prescriptions

I am pretty sure that Chiros can NOT write prescriptions. If he's been going to the chiro every day, I know he's got to be really hurting. Been there done that. I'm not sure when you originally wrote you message (I just joined), but if you haven't already, CALL HIS GENERAL PRACTITIONER!!!!! If he's been going to the chiro every day for a lot more than the four days you mentioned, FIND A DIFFERENT CHIRO!!! I herniated a disc in my back a little more than a year ago on a Thursday. I was back at work full-time by Monday.

No they can't. They aren't medical doctors (MD) but DCs (doctor of chiropractic), which is a natural health practice.
If over the counter painkillers aren't good enough for your bpyfriend he should ask his family doctor to prescribe something.

Only MD s can write prescriptions.If pain is severe go to the ER,, they can help

Because they are not with the Board of Medical Practicianers for Genaral Practice. They are not LEGALLY medically qualified to write prescriptions for medications that require you to visit a Chemist to have them filled.

But they can write you down for something they sell themselves or can get somewhere else. Even if that is a Chemist.
As long as it is not a PRESCRIPTION medication.

I am a Chiropractor, in practice in N.J. Our scope of practice does not include writing prescriptions except in one or two states. If the pain is severe, check with your MD about meds. A very safe, effective alternative is ice or moist heat. Check with the Chiroparctor about how to use them in that particular case.