Thanks to the advent of the Internet and social media, it’s easier than ever for someone interested in healing without medications to find a list of chiropractors a mile long.
However, that comes with a major drawback: how do you find the right chiropractor for you? Since we want you to find the perfect match for your chiropractic care, we’ve put together the best strategies for picking out a chiropractic professional.
Determine Your Unique Chiropractic Needs
Just like with any medical professional, your journey starts with you. What are you looking for in a chiropractor? In other words, what are you hoping to get out of chiropractic care?
If you’ve recently suffered a painful injury due to sports, a fall at home, or an accident out on the road, you should find a chiropractor who specializes in that kind of injury. On the other hand, maybe you’re dealing with chronic pain as a result of osteoarthritis. If so, a chiropractor with expertise in joint health and arthritic pain would be your best bet.
The important thing to remember is that chiropractic care isn’t a one-size-fits-all model of health care. Different doctors specialize in different chronic or acute health issues, so whichever professional you choose to trust should be one whose experience lines up with your needs as a patient.
Check Out Their Website
While you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover, you might be able to get a better idea of a chiropractic practice based on its website.
Check out the landing page (also known as the site’s home page). Does it or the “About Us” page clearly identify the chiropractor(s) of the practice and list their areas of expertise and previous experience? Are there any reviews or an easily accessible “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the page?
As you click through the site’s various service pages and any blog articles, also keep your eyes out for what the chiropractor focuses on. Is this practice merely intent on getting you through the door, or does there appear to be a genuine concern for patient well-being and lifelong health?
Lastly, see if any of the website’s pages provide links to studies or other research related to the effectiveness of the practice’s services. Do they make fabulous claims about their miracle-working chiropractic care, or do they stick to the facts and offer solutions without exaggerating?
Ask for Referrals and Read Reviews
Though it may not always seem like it because it’s medically related, remember that a chiropractic practice is a business. And like with any business, you should only trust your time and money (and, in this case, your spine as well!) with someone with a proven track record of success and client satisfaction.
Browse the reviews that previous patients have left for the chiropractor that you’re interested in. Reviewing aggregator websites such as Yelp or Yellowpages.com can be invaluable, as can looking at reviews left on the practice’s Google Business profile.
Don’t just see if the practice has a positive rating out of five stars, either. Thumb through negative reviews to see what unsatisfied patients complained about. Did the chiropractor overpromise and under-deliver or even make their condition worse? Was there a billing issue with the practice’s office? Is there some other unpleasant experience that would ward you off from this chiropractor?
On the flip side, more importantly, pay attention to what positive reviews say that the practice does well, especially as it concerns the specific kind of care you’re looking for. If a lot of online voices are chiming in that the chiropractor does great at the particular treatment you’re interested in, then you may have found a winner.
Verify the Chiropractor’s Credentials
All legitimate, qualified chiropractors in the US need to undergo at least three years of undergraduate education (with a 3.0 GPA or higher) followed by completion of a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program. These degrees are only available from one of 18 institutions that have been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
After that, a chiropractor needs to meet his or her individual state’s licensing requirements in order to practice in that state. In addition, a licensed chiropractor is expected to maintain competency through continuing education courses.
Assuming the chiropractor you’re looking at checks off all these boxes, also do some background digging to make sure the professional hasn’t been the subject of verified malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
Schedule an Introductory Consultation
If you’ve found a chiropractic practice with good reviews but still aren’t sure whether to take the plunge, check their website or give them a call to set up a free introductory consultation. If the practice offers it, this initial appointment will give you the chance to meet your medical professionals and get a better sense of their skills and experience.
You will also have the chance to see if you can get along with this chiropractor. Sometimes, people’s personalities just don’t gel, and an introductory consultation is a great way to find that out before you get too far along.
Does the Chiropractor Answer Your Questions and Explain Treatment?
During your initial exam, it’s vital that you explain your needs and describe your desired treatment. At that point, observe if the chiropractor offers a treatment plan tailor-made for your needs. If not, they may be more interested in your money than in your health as a patient.
You should also use this first appointment as an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you have about chiropractic care in general or about this new practice in particular.
Know What to Expect with Chiropractic Care
A chiropractic appointment will start like most any other medical appointment, complete with intake paperwork and an introductory discussion with the doctor in a private exam room. After discussing the reason you came in for an appointment, the chiropractor will perform a physical exam of your spine and joints.
Depending on the nature of your problem, you may also undergo X-rays or similar diagnostic imaging scans to get at the root of your spine health issues. After determining the nature of your health concern, your chiropractor will perform an initial adjustment and provide you with a treatment plan, including any required follow-up visits or at-home exercises for you to do.
Contact Deep Roots Chiropractic Health Center to Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether you’ve never been to a chiropractor before or are just looking for a family wellness provider, the experts at Deep Roots Chiropractic Health Center are here to meet your needs.
Our neurological-based chiropractic care may be the key to finding relief for your back pain, neck pain, or other health concerns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you get to better health!
