When To See Your GP First

Is It Required?

At Adjusting to Health, patient safety always comes before Chiropractic care.


While Chiropractic can be appropriate for many spinal and nervous system–related issues, there are times when seeing a GP first may be best. Knowing when medical assessment is required is a critical part of responsible healthcare.


This page explains when a GP could be a better first point of contact. Chiropractors are primary healthcare providers however and referral from a GP is not required. This page explores in what situations it may be best.

Situations Where You Should See a GP First


You should consult a GP promptly if you experience:


  • Rapid unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or night sweats
  • Laceration or significant bleeding following recent car accident 
  • Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Pain associated with cancer, infection, or systemic illness


These signs may indicate conditions that require medical investigation or urgent care before any consideration of Chiropractic treatment.

An Important Reality About Medical Assessment

GPs play a vital role in ruling out serious conditions such as fractures, infections, cancer, or inflammatory disease.

However, it’s important to understand what medical testing is designed to find - and what it is not.

In cases such as lower back pain, neck pain, or headaches, many patients are told:


  • Scans show “nothing wrong”
  • Results are “normal”
  • Pain is labelled as non-specific


In medical terms, “nothing found” often means:


  • No cancer
  • No fracture
  • No infection


It does not mean:


  • There is no cause
  • The spine is functioning optimally
  • The nervous system is working well


These aspects are simply outside the scope of medical imaging and pathology testing.

When Symptoms Persist Despite Medication


Pain relief medication can be helpful short term, but when symptoms persist despite pills, injections, or rest, it’s often a sign that the underlying cause has not been addressed. This is where many people begin looking for a different perspective.


Chiropractic care focuses on:


  • Movement and mechanical function
  • Spinal loading and posture
  • Nervous system signalling and adaptation


These factors are rarely assessed during standard medical consultations but are often central to ongoing pain and reduced function.

Opinions vs Findings


Healthcare opinions in any profession, are often shaped by training background, experience, and exposure.

That’s why at Adjusting to Health we rely on:


  • Objective examination findings
  • Neurological and spinal assessment
  • Current research and clinical guidelines


We don’t make decisions based on assumptions or outdated beliefs about Chiropractic.


Our approach is evidence-informed, continually updated, and grounded in what is measurable and relevant to your presentation.

Next Step


If you’re uncertain whether to see a GP or Chiropractor first, booking a comprehensive Pain Assessment with us allows us to help guide that decision responsibly.


If Chiropractic care is not appropriate, we will tell you and help direct you accordingly.


This selectiveness is intentional and central to how we practise. If you’d like clarity on whether Chiropractic care is appropriate for you, the safest next step is a proper assessment with our doctors. Click below to get started.

How This Fits in with the Health Blueprint™ Process


The Health Blueprint™ Process exists to:


  • Identify when Chiropractic care is appropriate
  • Recognise when medical care should come first
  • Protect patients from unnecessary or unsafe treatment


Not every case proceeds into Chiropractic care, and that’s exactly how it should be.