Chiropractic care is considered an essential business in the state of Missouri. Why? We don’t administer vaccines or prescribe medicine. We just “pop” your back, don’t we? Not quite!
As portal-of-entry healthcare providers, doctors of chiropractic are educated and licensed to diagnose, treat, and co-manage patients. We are trained to refer patients to other healthcare providers when necessary. In a healthcare system being stretched to its limit, chiropractors are a valuable resource to tap for additional patient support.
Chiropractors provide essential care including, but not limited to, managing acute and urgent musculoskeletal conditions (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.) Our services are critical for managing cases that otherwise could end up in emergency rooms, which are currently overwhelmed and should be avoided when possible.
Chiropractic services also keep in place healthcare providers, first responders and others who have physically strenuous jobs that support critical infrastructure, such as truck drivers who continue to ensure that America’s healthcare and food supplies get to where they are needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we provide this essential support, chiropractors share the public health responsibility of “flattening the curve” by slowing the transmission of COVID-19. As we continue to respond to the ever-changing environment around COVID-19, the safety of our patients, myself and my family continues to be our highest priority. We are exercising strict hygienic practices at every point of patient contact and continue to keep up to date with prevention recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We continue to monitor state and local health authorities so that we may comply with any relevant guidance or mandates.
You may continue to follow our COVID-19 updates at ashchirostjoe.com/updates for any changes in hours or operation practices. I know that many will continue to have healthcare needs that can be helped through chiropractic care, and we feel a responsibility and commitment to our patients and we are here for you! (Is it corny to say we’ve got your back?)
-Dr. Andrew Haeker, D.C.