Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly being used to answer health questions. From asking why your back hurts to checking whether a headache could be something serious, it has never been easier to get health information within seconds.
But should you use AI to diagnose yourself?
At BodyWorx Health Clinic in Totton, we believe AI can be a useful tool for understanding your health, but it shouldn’t replace a proper assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.
The Pros of Using AI for Health Questions
One of the biggest advantages of AI is accessibility. You can ask a question at any time and receive information almost instantly. This can be particularly useful when you want to understand common causes of symptoms or learn more about a condition you’ve already been diagnosed with.
AI can also help you prepare for an appointment. For example, if you’re experiencing lower back pain, you might use AI to understand what information could be useful to tell your chiropractor or healthcare professional, such as when the pain started, what movements aggravate it and whether you have any other symptoms.
Another benefit is education. AI can explain complicated medical terminology in everyday language, helping patients become better informed and more involved in decisions about their health.
The Cons of AI Self-Diagnosis
The biggest problem is simple: AI cannot physically examine you.
If you ask AI about shoulder pain, for example, it cannot assess your range of movement, test your strength, palpate the area or perform appropriate orthopaedic and neurological examinations.
Many conditions also produce similar symptoms. Back pain could be related to muscles, joints, discs, nerves or, less commonly, an underlying medical condition. Without a full history and physical examination, it can be difficult to distinguish between them.
There is also a risk of unnecessary anxiety. Anyone who has searched their symptoms online knows how quickly a relatively minor problem can start sounding frightening.
The opposite can happen too. AI may provide a reassuring explanation when your symptoms actually require further investigation. This is why potentially serious or worsening symptoms shouldn’t be assessed through AI alone.
So, Should You Use AI for Medical Advice?
AI is best thought of as an information tool rather than a diagnostic tool.
Using AI to learn about symptoms, understand terminology or prepare questions for your healthcare professional can be helpful. Using it as a substitute for an appropriate clinical assessment is much more problematic.
If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, joint pain or a musculoskeletal problem, a face-to-face assessment allows a clinician to combine what you tell them with physical examination findings before discussing the most appropriate next steps.
At BodyWorx Health Clinic in Totton, Southampton, our team provides chiropractic care and musculoskeletal treatment with a focus on identifying the potential causes of your symptoms and developing an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Concerned about an ache, pain or injury? Contact BodyWorx Health Clinic in Totton to arrange an assessment with one of our team.