Choosing The Right Chiropractor

Choosing the right chiropractor requires gathering enough information to feel comfortable making a choice. Chiropractors, also called Doctors Of Chiropractic (DC) or Chiropractic Physicians focus their care on the evaluation and treatment of most musculoskeletal pains IE: muscles joints and nerves. This can include the spine, arms and legs and include such conditions as back pain, neck pain, headaches as well as nerve pain. As well as providing advice on healthy lifestyles and work environment.

Choosing the right chiropractor can be one of many important choices on your road to recovery or healing. If you have not been to a chiropractor before, a good place to start is asking friends or family for their recommendations.

Do some research, talk to a few different chiropractors to see what practice approach you are most comfortable with. A few tips to keep in mind are provided below.

Find a doctor who:

1. Listens to you and answers your questions
2. Tailors the treatment for your goals
3. Keeps detailed records of your care and progress, offering different options as you progress
4. Provides a an active treatment plan that includes:
a.  Home care
b. Hands on care – adjustments or manipulation
c. Exercises

MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHIROPRACTOR

How often will you need to visit, and how long will each visit last?

How much care you need is based on many factors.
1. What is your goal: pain relief or strengthening/stabilization or wellness?
2. Do you have any other health issues that could complicate the recovery, such as arthritis, curvature or surgeries.
3. Is your condition due to an injury or is it chronic?

What specific procedures are used?

Your treatment plan will be developed from your history, exam, x-rays or other imaging and your health goals. Make sure you understand how the treatment will improve your condition. Part of your care should include home activities for you to perform between each visit.  Such things as exercise, stretching or lifestyle modifications to aid the healing and prevent flare ups.

Active care combines hands-on care (manual therapy) with:

During your care you should expect your doctor to re-examine your movement and how you function in the daily activities of life. Your treatment plan may also include such therapies as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat, ice or mechanical traction.

Does the chiropractor work with other health care experts you may need?

In most instances, chiropractic treatments will be all that is necessary to treat your problem. In a few cases, it may require your chiropractor to order additional imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to get a better picture of the discs or ligaments of your joints. In some rare instances, you may need to be seen also by a pain management specialist, orthopedist or neurologist. Your chiropractor should be willing to work with, and refer you to, other health care experts if needed. Be sure to check that your health insurance plan covers these providers.

Part of choosing the right chiropractor includes the office staff. You should expect to be treated politely and professionally. They should explain office procedures and make you feel at ease with your appointments.

Following these steps should help to make choosing the right chiropractor both simple and rewarding. If you are in the North St Louis County area, we would love to be your chiropractor. Give our office a call at (314) 731-4383.