Chiropractic care involves the chiropractor rendering physical treatment to the patient. The treatments may last a few or several times over a period of months, for example, depending on such factor as the patient’s conditions. And so will the chiropractor-patient interactions be. Good rapport between the two parties is essential for a pleasant experience for the patient. It is therefore important that the patient finds a chiropractor he or she will be comfortable with throughout the treatment period.
It also becomes even more challenging to find the best chiropractor to visit for examination and treatment because chiropractors have different philosophies in working with their patients and also use different chiropractic treatment techniques.
It may good to ask from people around you who they think is the best chiropractor to seek health care. You need to evaluate their response however, as different people have different standards and definitions of what a good chiropractor is. If many people recommend the same chiropractor, there is a good chance that the recommended professional is indeed good.
A telephone call to the chiropractic office or an in-office consultation with im or her is a good way to determine whether you will be comfortable and have good rapport with the chiropractor moving forward.
You should take note of the following important considerations when you talk with the chiropractor or office staff:
- The chiropractor’s qualifications including licenses, academic background and specialization or expertise. Check whether the college the chiropractor earned his or her degree from is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Some chiropractors pursue post-graduate diplomat programs in specialization areas as orthopedics, pediatrics, general rehab, internal disorders, radiology, neurology, nutrition, occupational health, sports medicine, forensic sciences, although it is not necessary.
- The chiropractor’s years of practice of chiropractic profession and the treatment techniques used in the office
- The chiropractor’s willingness to answer all your questions
- The chiropractor’s listening skills – listens completely to your explanations about your conditions, complaints and symptoms and empathizes with you
- The courtesy and friendliness shown by the chiropractor, and lastly
- Your comfort level talking with the chiropractor
Information on any disciplinary actions against the chiropractor will also be valuable in your selection decision. This information is usually available from the Chiropractic Regulation and Licensing Board of each state and are posted on the state’s website.
You have no obligation nor should you be compelled to pursue chiropractic treatment with the chiropractor you did background on and interviewed. In the final analysis, it will be you who will interact with the chiropractor and it is your health and well being that is at stake, and they are of topmost importance.