When you are new to chiropractic, or making a change to a new chiropractor, you understandably want to make sure that you are getting the best care available. Knowing what questions to ask can help you make an informed choice of the best chiropractor to meet your needs.
As with any doctor, you will be establishing a long-term relationship with your chiropractor. You will want to give consideration to the personality and rapport of the doctor and your compatibility with their technique.
WHAT IS A “GOOD” CHIROPRACTOR? HOW CAN YOU FIND ONE?
In order to find the chiropractor that is best suited for you and your needs, there are a few steps you can take. A good place to start is to ask your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations. Find out why they like their chiropractor and what kind of care they provide. Another good source of references will come from other holistic healthcare professionals that you know. Social media recommendations can help round out your decision.
If you get the same recommendation from different sources, that chiropractor is likely a trustworthy candidate.
The chiropractor’s website and social media will give you more information about the doctors’ backgrounds, technique, and type of care they provide. Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a school that has been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. In addition, chiropractors must be licensed by the state(s) in which they practice.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS? WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT?
Getting a feel for the chiropractor and the clinic is important to have an overall positive treatment experience. Your next step is to give the office a call and set up an in-office consultation to meet the team and learn more about their approach to chiropractic care.
Chiropractors offer different approaches to care. Some chiropractors offer a limited scope of practice focused on resolving neck and back pain. Others offer broader wellness scope of practice that can help you get out of pain by finding the underlying cause, offer advice on how to proactively care for your body, and provide regular checkups to maintain the corrections that have been made. The type of techniques used range from the traditional popping, twisting, and cracking approach to more gentle approaches.
Your first visit should be an assessment of your condition. This may include a health history interview, physical exam, nervous system scans, and x-rays as appropriate. This helps the chiropractor fully understand your health status and hear from you. You get a chance to share your story and ask questions, so you can discern whether or not you are in the right place for you.
After your assessment, the chiropractor should review all the information gathered, provide a report of the findings, and a recommendation on how to proceed. You should have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about your condition and how chiropractic can help. The report of findings, first adjustment, and any other treatments may happen at your first visit, but some chiropractors will wait for your second visit to give them more time to review the information gathered at your first appointment.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
- Is the chiropractor friendly and courteous?
- Does you feel comfortable talking with the chiropractor?
- Does the chiropractor fully answer all questions asked?
- 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?
- Does the chiropractor refer out, if needed?
When you find the chiropractor that best meets your needs, your life and health will be significantly improved. Hunt Spinal Care is a wellness practice that offers a gentle hands-on approach.
Please contact Hunt Spinal Care today for more information.