If I See a Chiropractor, Will They Prescribe Me Medication?

Thinking about seeing a chiropractor but wondering if they’ll prescribe you medication?

It’s a good question! After all, when you’re in pain, you might expect a prescription for something to help.

But chiropractors do things a little differently. We focus on natural treatments like spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and massage to help you feel better.

Chiropractors do not prescribe medications. While all Chiropractors are educated and licensed professionals, we aren’t authorized to write prescriptions. Our philosophy on health focuses on non-invasive, drug-free treatments that address the underlying source of our patients’ pain.

In this post, we’ll shed some light on why chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs, what kind of treatments they can offer instead, and how they might help you without relying on meds.

Can Chiropractors Prescribe Medication?

Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors do not and cannot prescribe medications.

Chiropractic care does not involve painkillers, antibiotics, or prescription medications and instead focuses on alternative pain management methods.

Chiropractors are highly trained professionals, but our realms of expertise include physical therapies and natural methods of pain treatment.

As healthcare professionals who are not legally allowed to prescribe drugs, chiropractic professionals offer alternatives that are often more beneficial and safer than addictive pain medications.

If you arrive at the chiropractor expecting a prescription for painkillers, you might be disappointed. However, that doesn’t mean we lack options when it comes to helping you feel better.

Also Read: When to See a Chiropractor

Why Chiropractors Don’t Prescribe Drugs

You might be wondering why chiropractors don’t write prescriptions, especially if you’re in pain or dealing with a persistent medical issue.

There are a few reasons for this, which we will cover in detail:

#1 They Aren’t Trained in Pharmacology

Chiropractors have extensive professional education, but they are not trained in how to safely and effectively prescribe and administer prescription drugs.

Programs in chiropractic care focus on studying muscles, bones, and the nervous system. Pharmacology—the science behind how medications interact with your body—isn’t part of the educational program undertaken by chiropractors.

Prescribing medication takes specific training that chiropractors simply don’t have. If you’re seeking prescription medication, you must see a medical doctor.

Chiropractors are trained to assess your body’s structure and make adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pain naturally—not to determine what medication would work best for you.

#2 Their Practice Focuses on Non-Drug Treatments

Chiropractic care is all about natural, non-invasive treatments.

Instead of giving you prescription painkillers, chiropractors look for ways to treat the root cause of your discomfort. This could mean adjusting your spine, working on muscle tightness, or giving you stretches to help you feel better without relying on meds.

Chiropractors believe that fixing the underlying issue—like a misalignment or poor posture—can improve health in the long run without masking the symptoms with prescription pills.

Their goal is to help your body restore balance naturally.

Also Read: Alternatives To Epidural Steroid Injections

#3 They Believe in The Power of The Body to Heal Itself

One of the biggest reasons chiropractors don’t prescribe medication is their focus on promoting our inherent ability to heal.

Chiropractors prioritize self-care and natural methods like exercise, nutrition, and relaxation because they believe these can help patients heal more effectively than relying on prescription medication.

Chiropractors see the human body as a whole system that can function better when it’s in balance.

If you arrive at the chiropractor with pain, instead of handing you a prescription, they might give you tips on improving your posture, moving better, or reducing stress.

A good chiropractor always wants to empower patients to manage their pain in a more sustainable way, not just give them a quick-fix prescription.

#4 Their Scope of Practice Doesn’t Include Medication

Chiropractors are simply not legally allowed to prescribe medication.

Their scope of practice is clearly defined by law, and prescribing drugs is outside of what they’re licensed to do.

In most places, the law restricts chiropractors to working within the realm of physical therapy and musculoskeletal care. Even if a chiropractor thinks medication could help your condition, they can't write a prescription for it.

#5 They Emphasize Natural Healing Methods

Chiropractors promote natural healing practices because they believe holistic, non-invasive healing methods are the best way to address pain and promote overall health.

Chiropractic care includes a wide range of non-drug treatments and nutritional advice.

At Cornerstone Chiropractic, our wellness philosophy revolves around the idea that our bodies can heal on their own without prescription medication, but only when given the right environment and care.

We take a more holistic approach to wellness, addressing physical, emotional, and even nutritional aspects of your health to help patients avoid the need for prescription medications.

#6 They Refer Patients to Medical Doctors When Necessary

If you come into a chiropractor’s office with an issue that requires medication, they’re not just going to leave you hanging.

Most chiropractors work closely with doctors and are happy to refer you to someone who can help with medication or more traditional medical treatments.

For example, let’s say you have a more serious condition that requires antibiotics or a prescription painkiller. If a chiropractor suspects that, they’ll refer you to your primary care physician or a specialist who can provide the appropriate treatment.

This ensures you’re getting the care you need but also means that your chiropractor stays within their scope of practice.

Also Read: Chiropractic Care vs Physical Therapy

What Treatments or Medications Can Chiropractors Prescribe?

While chiropractors can’t prescribe medications like a medical doctor can, they are experts at providing a variety of non-drug treatments to help you feel better.

Here’s a quick rundown of the treatments chiropractors can offer:

• Spinal manipulation and adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Physical therapy techniques like exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility
• Massage therapy to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress
• Ergonomic and postural advice to help you avoid strain and improve your overall body alignment
• Nutritional guidance and supplements to support overall health and recovery, such as recommending anti-inflammatory foods or specific vitamins
• Heat and cold therapy to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing

Can Chiropractors Prescribe X-Rays?

Yes, chiropractors can prescribe X-rays.

X-rays are a pretty standard tool for chiropractors to get a better look at your bones, especially in the spine and joints.

When you first see a chiropractor, they’ll do a full assessment.

They’ll ask about your medical history and check how your body moves. If they think an X-ray will help them better understand what's going on better, they’ll refer you to get one.

Also Read: What to Expect at a Walk-In Chiropractor

X-rays are invaluable for figuring out things like misalignments or injuries in your spine.

But chiropractors don’t order them unless they are necessary. They don’t want to overdo it. And if they think a more detailed scan or test is needed, they’ll refer you to a doctor or specialist.

Bottom Line

To wrap things up, chiropractors don’t prescribe medication. They focus on natural, drug-free treatments like spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

If you’re in pain, they’ll get to the root of the issue and help your body heal on its own. If you need prescription medication, they’ll refer you to a doctor who can prescribe it.

But if you're looking for long-term relief without relying on prescription meds, chiropractic care could be a great option for you.

FAQs

Can Chiropractors Prescribe Muscle Relaxers?

No. Chiropractors focus on adjusting your spine and other joints, and they don't have the same prescribing rights as medical doctors. So, they can't offer prescription muscle relaxers.

If they think prescription muscle relaxers might help you, they’ll refer you to an MD or DO for a prescription.

Can Chiropractors Prescribe an MRI?

Usually, no. Chiropractors can’t directly order MRIs in most cases.

If your chiropractor thinks you need one, they’ll refer you to a medical doctor or DO who can arrange it. Some states do make exceptions, but it’s not the norm.

Can Chiropractors Prescribe Antibiotics?

No, chiropractors cannot offer you prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescription medications, and chiropractors don't prescribe medications.

If you have or suspect that you might have an infection, you should see a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics for you immediately.

Can Chiropractors Write Doctor’s Notes?

Yes, they can. If you’re being treated for something like back pain, they can give you a note for work or school explaining your condition, why you need time off, and activity restrictions.

These notes are usually accepted the same as those from a medical doctor.

Can Chiropractors Give Injections?

Sometimes, but it depends. In certain states, chiropractors with extra training and certifications can give certain types of injections, like for trigger points.

But it's not something all chiropractors do, and it depends on the state. If you want more information about injections, it's best to ask your personal chiropractor.

Contact our Hiram Chiropractors for Prescription-Free Relief

Chiropractors can’t offer you prescription medication, but at Cornerstone Chiropractic & Spine Center, we can offer something better—non-invasive relief that targets the source of your pain without relying on prescriptions.

If you're looking for a natural, effective solution that addresses your pain and improves your quality of life, give us a call at (770) 439-7765 or fill out our online contact form to take the first step toward feeling better without the pills!

© Copyright 2025 - Cornerstone Chiropractic & Spine Center