How to Choose the Best Chiropractor: Everything You Need to Know

Feb 08, 2023

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Originally Posted On: https://drcalvinsclinic.com/how-to-choose-the-best-chiropractor-everything-you-need-to-know/

There are nearly 36,000 chiropractors across the US, though not everyone will have the hands-on experience and expertise you need. Before choosing a chiropractor, it helps to know what factors to prioritize. Otherwise, choosing an inexperienced chiropractor could make your pain worse.

Here are a few tips you can use to find the best chiropractor in town. With these tips, you can feel confident you’re choosing services from a qualified professional.

Start your search and ease your pain with these tips today!

Gather Referrals and Reviews

The easiest way to streamline your search for a local chiropractor is to turn to friends and family members who live in town. Ask if they’ve visited a local chiropractor in the past year. If they have, ask why they needed chiropractic care.

For example, perhaps they sustained a whiplash injury after a car accident. Maybe they struggle with back pain due to bad posture at work.

Make a list of questions you want to ask about each chiropractor, practice, and technique. For example:

Is the chiropractor experienced and knowledgeable
What chiropractic services do they offer
What technique did they use to treat your pain
Was it effective/are you satisfied with the services you receive
How often do you visit the chiropractor
Do they offer preventative tips
Have you encountered any problems

If the patient encountered problems with the chiropractor, learn more about their experience. For example, did the chiropractor do anything to resolve the issue?

Speaking with friends you trust can help you find a chiropractor worthy of your trust. If you’re unable to gather referrals, search online instead.

Once you build a list of local chiropractors to research, visit each professional’s website. Learn more about their practice, education, and work history. Look for client reviews, too.

You can also find reviews on the chiropractor’s BBB profile and Google Business listing.

Make sure the chiropractor doesn’t have any serious complaints filed against them. Remove any chiropractor with a medical malpractice suit filed against them from your list.

Instead, choose a chiropractor with a glowing reputation. You can feel more confident choosing a professional other patients have trusted in the past.

Check Credentials

Take the time to review each chiropractor’s credentials. You can start by visiting their Healthgrades.com page or the About Us page on their website.

Determine where each chiropractor attended college and confirm they graduated from an accredited institution. Determine where they went to medical school and what training hospital they attended, too.

Make a note of any specialized training they’ve completed or certifications they earned.

Confirm each chiropractor has an up-to-date license as well.

Choosing someone who lacks the proper credentials could put your health at risk. These chiropractors might even cause a disability if they lack the proper expertise.

Finding someone with the proper credentials can help you feel more confident before your first appointment. It can also ensure the chiropractor offers their patients the highest standard of care.

Prioritize Years of Experience

Over 35 million people in the US visit a chiropractor each year. Across the country, about one million chiropractic adjustments are completed daily. Nearly 80% of patients say chiropractic care is “very effective” for treating back pain.

Remember, there are nearly 36,000 chiropractors across the US. Some have worked in the industry longer than others, though. As you narrow down your choices, determine how long each chiropractor has worked in the industry.

A chiropractor with years of literal hands-on experience has learned from that experience over time. They’ll know how to gauge your symptoms and determine an accurate diagnosis. They’ll also consider your lifestyle before developing a customized treatment plan based on your condition, needs, and goals.

Try to find a chiropractor with experience treating patients who are struggling with your specific problem. For example, maybe you have back pain due to age or repetitive motion. Maybe you were in a recent sporting or car accident and sustained injuries instead.

These chiropractors will have an easier time offering the help you need.

Determine how long they’ve owned and managed their own practice, too. An established business has likely worked out staffing, operational, and billing issues over time. Otherwise, encountering these problems can impact your experience as a patient.

Look at a Map

Determine where each chiropractor on your list is located. Try to find a practice near your home, school, or work. Finding a practice that’s conveniently located can ensure you find the help you need when you need it.

Otherwise, you could find yourself in pain while sitting in traffic.

Make a note of each practice’s operating hours, too. You might need to find a practice that offers hours that suit your schedule. If they only offer limited hours instead, remove them from your list.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with two or three chiropractors on your list. Draft a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time.

During the appointment, discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing. The chiropractor should ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms. Then, they should recommend a treatment plan based on the information they gathered.

Don’t choose a chiropractor who jumps to offer services you don’t need.

Ask the chiropractor why they’re recommending those chiropractic services, too.

After the appointment, consider their demeanor. Were they professional, friendly, and easy to talk to? If you weren’t comfortable around them, remove them from your list.

Compare Pricing

Determine if the practices you visited accept your insurance. If not, determine if they offer financing options instead.

Don’t rush to select a chiropractor who offers the cheapest services. Instead, gather estimates from more than one practice. Compare your options to determine the average price of chiropractic care in the area.

Ease the Pain: Find the Best Chiropractor in Town Today

Finding the best chiropractor in town could benefit your health long-term. Use these tips to narrow down your choices. Then, review your notes to make an informed choice.

Want to simplify your search and receive the care you need? We’re here to help.