It’s a wonderful thing that this blog reaches a wide range of people all across the globe every day. With that being said, I often receive an email or phone call asking for a recommendation for a Chiropractor in a certain area of the country.
As with any profession, some chiropractors may be more skilled and experienced than others and as you will come to realize there are numerous techniques and approaches, with some chiropractor using manual or traditional chiropractic, while others use instruments. Quality of training, specificity of approach, and facility all play a part in the outcome you might have. For example, if looking for a specialized field (pediatrics, pregnancy, athletes) be sure that the doctor has advanced training in those areas.
As a general guideline, it’s probably best to consider a chiropractor who focuses on being GREAT at one thing instead of giving advice and utilizing procedures that are outside of their scope. Ask your chiropractor what he or she does before becoming a patient. As a structural chiropractor, my responsibility is to detect and correct underlying structural abnormalities of the spine, provide specific structural corrective adjustments, counsel patients on nutrition, exercise and injury prevention without the use of drugs or surgery.
To further assist those looking to begin chiropractic care, I’ve complied a list of what to look for when doing your research:
They Focus on CHIROPRACTIC.
Although chiropractic school taught me how to utilize physical therapy modalities I can honestly tell you that I don’t even remember how to operate one. Furthermore, I respect the physical therapy profession enough that I’d be stepping on their toes by providing physiotherapy services that I can’t even perform well. Instead, I like to focus on what I know – structural correction.
In addition, while we may occasionally recommend a nutritional supplement to get you the best results in the quickest amount of time – be wary of an office that “pushes” products on you – especially ones that utilizes multi-level marketing and/or want you to sign up with their company.
They Use Objective Findings.
An initial history and examination are great, and will help the doctor to form an understanding of what is going on, but it doesn’t allow you to see everything. Objective tests help monitor your care and specifically identify areas of concern. These can include spinal analysis, postural assessment, digital neuromyographic scan, and structural radiographs. These tests allow your chiropractor to identify any damage, the degree of damage, and any underlying structural changes that need addressing.
You Receive a Customized Care Plan.
While a cookie cutter approach is great for making cookies, it doesn’t necessarily translate to other pursuits (like your HEALTH). You should receive customized chiropractic care based on YOUR individual needs. This way, you have a direction where you are going, a time frame to achieve your results, and all the costs associated with your care.
Everyone is unique and has different issues affecting their care, which is why a cookie cutter approach doesn’t work. Sometimes people respond right away or may be longer depending on how long the cause has been there. Every patient does not need a 1 year care plan, nor do they all need to be seen 3x/week, then 2x/week, etc..
They Care About YOU as a Patient.
Are you a number or a patient? It doesn’t take long to figure this one out. Are you rushed through your appointment without the time to address questions or concerns? Your chiropractor should routinely monitor your progress and ask for feedback. Progress assessments give the doctor feedback as to how you are progressing and allow the doctor to adapt your care plan to how you are responding.
They Willingly Collaborate with Other Practitioners.
Working collaboratively with other healthcare providers for the benefit of the patient is enriching for both the patient as well as practitioners. My own work is often done in concert with physicians, midwives, surgeons and physical therapists. This team approach offers patients an opportunity to get a second opinion as well as provide a different set of eyes in case there are other structural problems that need to be addressed.
You Begin to HOLD Your Adjustment.
The best thing about someone with Normal Structure is that it allows their spine to be stable. When the structural alignment of someone’s spine goes back to normal and it is stable, they are in a position of “Holding” their correction. When someone is holding their correction, then they are in a great place called neurologically clear and there is no reason to adjust. An adjustment is such a powerful procedure when done correctly, but can delay someone’s healing if not done properly or is done too often. The body is strong enough and intelligent enough to maintain a proper Structural Alignment – that’s why the goal that I have for each and every person that begins care with me is to get them to the point where they don’t need an adjustment.
