How to Choose a Chiropractor

When it comes time to select a new chiropractor, making an informed decision is all about arming yourself with as much information as possible. Knowing your health plan and whether specialty services are covered is a crucial aspect of understanding your financial responsibilities.

Chiropractors are highly trained health professional, and it is the third largest healing profession in the nation. When it comes to disorders of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can diagnose and treat these conditions in a timely manner.

You may wish to ask loved ones or friends for recommendations, in addition to your trusted health care providers. But to make the best choice, you’ll need to ask a few. Read on to learn which questions you should ask potential chiropractors.

What Is Your Level of Training and Experience?

Before you proceed, be sure to ask and verify that the chiropractor has a license to practice. You’ll also want to find out about their area of specialty and how many years of experience that they have.

Can You Tell Me More About My Course of Treatment?

A qualified chiropractor can outline a course of treatment and let you know how long they should expect it to take. They can also alter your treatment as needed to meet your chosen goals.

What Treatments Do You Suggest For My Health Issue?

Bear in mind that a chiropractor cannot perform any surgeries or prescribe any drugs. They will typically suggest alternative forms of treatment that are designed to achieve the following objectives:

• Restoring normal function of joints

• Decreased nerve irritation and pain

• Increase of blood flow

• Reduction of muscle spasms

• Improvement in range of motion

• Other forms of treatment can be recommended, including:

• Lower back support

• Electrical stimulation of muscles

• Ultrasound

• Soft tissue massage

• Exercise based therapies

A quality chiropractor will also outline the risks and benefits for each treatment.

Will I Need Additional Treatment?

You might need additional treatment beyond the scope of what your chiropractor can provide and in this instance, you will want to choose a chiropractor that can refer to a quality professional who can meet your requirements.

Do I Need X-Rays?

You may or may not need an X-ray before treatment begins. They will need to examine your health history and perform an exam, so that a potentially larger health problem can be ruled out before they prescribe an alternative form of treatment. The X-ray will be used to check for dislocations, fractures and bone diseases that may require the assistance of a more qualified profession.

Will You Provide Me With Additional Exercises To Remedy My Health Problem?

Taking an active role in your own healing and recovery is crucial to our long term health. That’s why it is important to select a chiropractor who is ready, willing and able to provide you with the tools that you need to enhance your own recovery. If they are unable to provide you with the necessary guidelines and training, this is a major red flag. Not only should they be able to offer an exercise overview, they should also be willing to offer helpful home based treatments that involve ice and heat related stimulation.

What Should My Final Checklist Look Like?

We recommend someone who checks all the boxes…

• Licensed in your state

• Respectful manner

• Attentive to your concerns

• Answers questions in an informative manner

• Puts in the necessary effort to improve your health

• Provides you with the proper advice to avoid future issues

• Only takes X-rays when needed

• Refers you to specialists as needed