Before starting chiropractic treatment, it is a good idea to arrange a telephone interview or ask for an in-office consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and the techniques offered. Sometimes, the chiropractor will request a personal consultation to discuss such details.
For most people seeking chiropractic care, it is important to feel comfortable and have a good relationship with the chiropractor and the clinic. This can go a long way in gaining a positive treatment experience. Consider the things that would make you feel most comfortable and use these as part of your judgment. This may mean how long you have to wait for appointments, how easy it is to get hold of your chiropractor or the location of the clinic.
Answering your own questions is also a crucial part in the decision process. Some things you may want to consider asking include:
Is the chiropractor friendly and polite?
Do you feel comfortable talking with the chiropractor?
Does the chiropractor fully answer all of your questions?
Does the chiropractor listen to your explanation of symptoms and treatment preferences?
How many years has the chiropractor been in practice?
If it makes you feel more comfortable, you may also want to conduct some background research on the chiropractor. It is your body; you can take as long as you need to decide on which chiropractor will be treating you.
Selecting a health care professional is something that should be done with care. Do not feel under any obligation to be treated by the first chiropractor you interview – some patients speak to several chiropractors before finding one best suited to treat their problems.
Remember that the chiropractor’s role is to recommend the recommended course of care for you, and it is your decision whether or not to accept those recommendations. You should never feel like a chiropractor is pressuring you into a treatment or payment decision.
Before selecting a chiropractor, you should be aware that there are many different chiropractic techniques. Some chiropractors perform joint manipulation with their hands only, while others use various instruments. Also, some chiropractors use quick but firm manipulation, while others have a lighter technique. Think about the kind of techniques you prefer. Do you like the immediate feeling of relief after the “joint popping” type of spinal manipulation or do you prefer something a little more subtle?
The more you know your own requirements, the better you will be able to choose a suitable chiropractor.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
Which chiropractic techniques does the chiropractor use and why? Most chiropractors are experienced in a range of techniques and will choose the one or ones best suited to the patient and his or her condition.
Does the chiropractor use his or her hands or an instrument for the chiropractic manipulation?
Will the chiropractor listen to your preferred techniques and work a treatment plan around that?
When choosing a chiropractor, the bottom line is that the better the relationship between you both, the better the outcome of the treatment. So take your time, absorb the facts, and make sure you are happy with the decisions you make.