f you are looking for a health care provider that promotes healing without medications or surgery, choosing Chiropractic Care may be the right fit for you.
In the field of Chiropractic Care, our main focus is on the cause of your problem.
Here’s a little bit about The History of Chiropractic Care
Our goal is to eliminate the cause of your injury condition, which will then alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition.
The Chiropractor you choose will be your partner in the spine, joint, and muscle health.
So, how do you find the best Chiropractor who is right for you?
Below are six important tips to keep in mind as you find a chiropractor.
1. Check Reviews
When deciding which Chiropractic Clinic will be the right fit for you, it is always important to look up reviews of the doctor and clinic before making an appointment.
Google reviews are a great way to find out what others are saying about the particular clinic you are looking for.
They may provide you with the insight you need before you trust someone with your health and wellness.
2. Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials
Making sure the Chiropractor you are about to see has the proper licensure is a very important factor. It will tell you if the chiropractor has the proper training, experience, and skills to provide chiropractic care.
It is also good to confirm the doctor has no history of malpractice or disciplinary actions against him/her.
3. Ask About Experience
A Chiropractors experience matters when you are facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues.
The more experience they have with a particular condition or procedure, your results are likely to be better.
Ask the Chiropractor if they have experience handling the particular condition or injury that you are experiencing.
4. Ask What Techniques are Used
There are multiple techniques that can be utilized by Chiropractors to ensure optimal recovery.
If there is a particular treatment that you think would help, or are curious as to which ones are offered, it is important to ask the Chiropractor during your initial consultation.
5. Schedule a Free Consultation
The majority of Chiropractors will offer a free consultation so you can meet with them and discuss your injury or back pain condition.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that will help you with deciding if they are the right fit for you.
6. Fees
During your free consultation with the Chiropractor, before you proceed with treatment, be sure to find out what the fees for services will be.
If you have health insurance, they should be able to give you a breakdown of what is covered and what is not.
If you are paying cash, ask what the cost per visit will be.
If you were involved in an accident, make sure to find out if the Chiropractor works with an attorney on a lien basis so you will not be held responsible for the bills.
How To Interview Your Chiropractor
After you’ve followed the steps above and narrowed down your selections, it’s time to start interviewing.
It is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request a free consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and the techniques used.
For most people, it is important to feel comfortable with the chiropractor and to have an overall positive experience at the clinic.
Feeling comfortable is relative and depends on personal preferences, including details such as how long a patient would typically have to wait in the waiting room or the location of the chiropractor’s office.
Questions to consider about rapport and experience with a chiropractor and the clinic staff during an initial interview may include one or more of the following:
- Is the chiropractor friendly and courteous?
- Does the patient feel comfortable talking with the chiropractor?
- Did they fully answer all questions asked by the patient?
- Does the chiropractor listen to the patient’s complete explanation of symptoms and treatment concerns/preferences?
- How many years has the chiropractor been in practice?
Another consideration is whether the chiropractor has a specific undergraduate or post-graduate specialty.
While not necessary, some chiropractors pursue post-graduate programs in various specialties, such as orthopedics, sports medicine, rehabilitation, neurology, or nutrition.
What To Expect During Your First Visit
Now you’ve done your research, interviewed your chiropractor, and you’ve picked the best chiropractor for you.
Now it’s time for your first appointment. Here’s a little bit of what you can expect.
The first thing your chiropractor will have to do is conduct a physical exam.
During the physical exam, they will assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
The chiropractor will pay especially close attention to the neck and spine areas, which is the core area of chiropractic care. From there, the chiropractor will examine any specific areas of discomfort in the body.
An X-ray of your spine may also be taken. The X-ray helps your chiropractor understand the structure and integrity of your bone anatomy.
The X-ray also helps the chiropractor see the extent of wear and tear and any anomalies in your spine.
After the initial chiropractic consultation and exam, your chiropractor will determine if you can benefit from receiving a back adjustment.
More often than not, your chiropractor will be able to adjust your spine and provide immediate back pain relief.
Your first adjustment will take place on a comfortable padded table made specifically for chiropractic care. Adjustments may be performed while you are face down, on your side, sitting upright, or lying on your back.
It is not uncommon for your chiropractor to recommend multiple sessions.
If you have chronic pain, a high level of discomfort, or bear multiple issues at once, you will likely need ongoing care.
This can mean regular weekly sessions of chiropractic care, reduced to monthly, with the ultimate goal of ongoing care only as needed.
Your chiropractor will take into consideration your overall health, physical condition, and goals to create a treatment plan.