To not bother trying to get to see my GP?

[allinall]

I've had a slightly painful neck or upper back for a few weeks, no big deal. About two weeks ago I foolishly did some exercise I'm not used to doing, and it's now more painful.

I know if I see my GP he'll just say ice, painkillers etc, which I'm doing anyway, and come back in a few weeks if it's no better. Getting an appointment to be told this will involve ringing at a time I should be working (and I'm not allowed to use my mobile at work), then getting an appointment at a time I should be at work, and not getting paid for the time I miss.

In the meantime, I've seen an osteopath, who has poked and prodded, and treated me, and certainly after the treatment I did feel better for a day or two. I'm seeing him again later this week (at a time I can choose!) and hope to see some longer lasting improvement soon.

So, would I be unreasonable to skip the GP and just get some treatment, rather than see the GP who almost certainly won't offer any actual treatment at all? The money is not an issue, just in case anyone is concerned about that, but there's just a little bit of me that thinks it's 'safer' to see the doctor. What do you think?

Don't go to the gp you know what's wrong already. If it was anything that needed a gp to look at for a second opinion the osteopath would have tokd you.

I have been having regular Physio for 10+ years. I haven't seen my GP for any musculoskeletal stuff in that time, the Physio deals with it all. I wouldn't see a GP for something unless I didn't know what it was/wanted medication prescribed/needed a specialist referral.

Agree with the below. I had a bad neck for ages & didn't even consider the GP (for the same reasons, nightmare to get an appt & knew it needed working on rather than taking pills or being operated) - just went straight to a chiropractor which was the best thing ever.

Hope you start to feel better soon, it's horrible being in pain / constantly uncomfortable

I wouldn't bother with the GP either.

I was involved in a serious car accident 3 years ago abd suffered a horrendous whiplash injury. Saw GP a few days later following the advice of the paramedic who saw me at the scene. GP said ice/heat, painkillers.

I saw a physio a few days later and it helped massively as there was so much damage to the muscles that needed work.

I still see the physio occassionally if things start hurting but haven't seen a GP for it since.

If money isn't an issue why not see a private GP

I'd see a physio rather than an osteopath. It may be that you can self refer to NHS physio in your area or you might need a referral from your GP.

edzardernst.com/2013/06/osteopathy-based-on-little-more-than-wishful-thinking/

Ok, thanks, at least it seems most people think the GP isn't essential, or wouldn't do much that was useful.

I think I'll keep on with the osteopath for a bit and see how it goes.

The poster who asked about why I don't try a private GP; sorry I'm on my phone so I can't see your name. I' m not rich, just meant I didn't begrudge paying for some treatment if it would help. Since a GP, private or not, probably wouldn't offer treatment at this stage, I'd rather not spend money on one just yet. Actually, I've never even heard of anyone using a private GP, but thanks for the suggestion.