Health care is as philosophical as it is scientific. There are many different approaches to the practice, and as many styles of treatment as there are doctors.
If you had a bad experience with a chiropractor, it may be because you haven’t found the right one yet. Here are some easy ways to make sure you have the best fit.
1. Does your chiropractor listen?
Your chiropractor should have an extensive consultation with you before you begin treatment to determine your needs. Understanding the severity and placement of the pain or soreness, as well as your lifestyle and the possible causes, determines the program and duration of treatment. Before every treatment, you should discuss any changes since the last adjustment. Did your chiropractor ask what other treatments you have had? Is he or she familiar with these other modalities, they may help lead you to the answer.
2. Is your treatment plan custom-tailored?
Your chiropractor should develop your treatment plan according to your consultation, as well as your pre-treatment discussions. Every patient’s body and situation is different, so each plan should be individually developed for optimum improvement. Also very important point-does the treatment plan feel right to you? You should leave feeling that a reasonable treatment plan has been developed. If it looks like everyone is getting the same treatment, they probably are!
3. Does your chiropractor explain what he or she is doing?
Every action your practitioner takes is done for a reason. He or she should be walking you through the treatment plan, explaining why each adjustment is necessary, how the adjustment works, and what to expect during and after the treatment.
4. Does your chiropractor only adjust what is necessary?
Adjustments are performed to repair the biomechanics of the body. The goal is to restore a natural, equal range of motion on both sides of the body. Your doctor should only work on areas that need help, rather than do a full body adjustment every time if it is unneeded. Adjustments on joints that already have a full range of motion can cause hypermobility and long-term issues.
5. Does your chiropractor only perform necessary diagnostics?
There are a lot of ways to diagnose a condition without the use of expensive tests and powerful x-rays. In office tests can be used to effectively isolate the vertebrae or joint and develop an effective treatment plan. A general rule of thumb is prior to ordering an x-ray/MRI determine if it is going to change your treatment plan.
6. Are you seeing results?
The correct treatment plan should bring improvement within 2-3 weeks. If you are not seeing results from the treatment a discussion of changing the plan may be appropriate.
In order to improve quickly, you need to trust your doctor. Your chiropractor should give you the best help possible. Find the practitioner who works for you.
