SUBSCRIBE

Regardless of how many times someone hears from their friends and coworkers how much chiropractic helped them, some people are still skeptical.

Finding the right Chiropractor is unique in that you are a unique individual with unique circumstances.

Finding the right Chiropractor is like finding the right shoe. One size does not fit all. Although there are some excellent Chiropractors that do a terrific job there are some things to consider.

One of the most important things about finding the right Chiropractor is that even though you may have already been to one and did not have a good out come, don’t shut yourself out from seeking a different Chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a wonderful natural healthcare system. I have seen many patients that had been seen by other Chiropractors. People change for a variety of reasons.

Probably the two most common ones I hear is, “It is too far from where I live” and “He/she did not really address my issues”.

Those that feel that their issues were not addressed knew that Chiropractic worked but realized they picked the wrong doctor. Doctor’s of Chiropractic are human too. They suffer from burnout, insurance nightmares, employee problems and the list goes on. That is not an excuse but if you are in a situation where you don’t feel like you are being listened too or feel like you’re just another number maybe it’s time you start looking for a new Chiropractor.

There are a variety of sub-specialties that Chiropractors can get certified in. Radiology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Sports Injuries, Spinal Trauma are but a few.

Some chiropractors have excellent people skills and some don’t just like in all professions. Some excel in treating certain health problems like disc herniations and others excel in nutritional counseling.

Some are excellent at spinal adjusting, some are too rough and some are afraid to hurt you so they are too gentle. In fact they are so gentle that many times the results are poor.

Some are really good at taking your money.

Some are excellent at what they do and don’t charge close to what that visit is worth.

It is difficult finding one that excels in all areas. Sometimes the best way to find a good Chiropractor is to ask family and friends whom they go see. If they don’t have a Chiropractor then you need to do some homework.

You may need to visit several Chiropractors and ask specific questions before you find someone that you are compatible with. You need to search for one who has success treating your kind of problem. Try not to let your insurance restrict whom you see because they are not “in network.”

Sometimes it is better to go with the Chiropractor that several people have recommended, even if he/she is not in your network. It is much better to go to someone where you get results even if it means you have to pay more or drive farther.

It would, of course, be ideal to find someone “in network” that is excellent and that insurance covers, which is why you are paying for health insurance in the first place.

I have treated hundreds of patients after they had many trials of prescription drugs, injections, surgery and even had been to another Chiropractor.

Most people will respond to specific Chiropractic care if educated properly on what they should and should not do. For example in treating disc herniations there is a lot of self-care involved. There is a lot of self care in taking care of your self period.

Having an inversion machine at home to be able to use several times a day for at least fifteen to thirty seconds at a time is crucial to a good and speedy recovery especially for herniated discs. Inversion is good for overall feeling better and releasing the tension that builds in the spine, neck and back muscles. It is an EXCELLENT preventative SELF CARE treatment.

In looking for a Chiropractor, you should ask questions like, “Do you have an area that you specialize in?”  Or “What types of patients do you like to treat most?” Another good question to ask is, “What post graduate training have you taken?” But as the saying goes, you really can’t judge a book by its cover.

The doctor might have many diplomas and certificates proudly displayed but is a terrible people person or spinal adjustor. Another Chiropractor might only have his or her diploma and be excellent at treating patients.    You really need to ask family, friends and co-workers and ask them a lot of questions.

Ask the details like what to expect. Does he or she explain things well or are they in a hurry? Was he/she gentle or rough? Did he/she use an instrument to adjust your spine? Did he/she ask what you were looking to get out of the visit? Did he/she try to sell you a lengthy treatment plan? Not that lengthy treatment plans are all bad but is that what you are looking for?

If you are only looking for pain relief, then a Corrective or Maintenance Care program is not what you are wanting.

I ask my patients what they are expecting from their treatments and explain the three types of care: 1. Pain Relief Care……… 2. Corrective Care…….and 3. Maintenance Care.

Let me explain each of these. There are two types of Pain Relief Care, acute pain and chronic pain.

Read the rest of the chapter by getting your copy of HANGING OUT FOR THE HEALTH OF IT- One Minute a Day to a Healthier, Happier and Longer Life.