FAQs: How To Choose The Right Chiropractor

A quick online search should tell you a lot about your chiropractor, their specialities and any research projects or charities they’re involved with.

Finding out about their area of expertise is important, so you can ensure you’re choosing a chiropractor with a focus or special interest in your condition.

If you’re struggling for where to start consider asking your doctor for a recommendation.

Take a little time to research the different techniques that are used during chiropractic care.

You can find a comprehensive list online that covers the vast array of different techniques used, however the most popular ones used in the treatment of back pain can be found here.

There are also additional treatments that Doctors of Chiropractic offer that may be beneficial to you when treating and managing your pain.

Treatments include acupuncture, nutritional counselling, massage therapy, interferential electrical muscle stimulation, cryotherapy and heat therapies.

By choosing a chiropractor that offers additional treatments, you could make your road to recovery much shorter.

Before you book your appointment you can discuss how treatment plans are put together and expected timescales.

Of course it is very difficult for a professional to say without reviewing you, however they should be able to give you a rough estimate based on your described symptoms.

Be cautious of those who promise too much or too little, and feel free to question further if you think this may be the case.

Building up a rapport with your chiropractor is really important, especially if you’re committing to a long term treatment plan.

You need to have trust in what they’re doing to enable you to have the attitude you need to recover, so if you don’t feel comfortable then you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

In short, yes, your chiropractor should have certain qualifications that allows them to practice their profession and work on your body. In fact, educational and licensing requirements for Doctors of Chiropractic are some of the most stringent within the healthcare profession.

Doctors of Chiropractic are educated in nationally accredited, four year doctor graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical internship, the equivalent of osteopathic medical schools.

If you have any doubts about the skills or experience of your chosen chiropractor, don’t be afraid to ask for evidence.

The cost of a chiropractor can vary wildly depending on the chiropractic statistics you read, from around $30 to around $200 per session depending largely on the state you live in and the experience of the doctor.

However, on average, it is considered to roughly cost $65 per session, with an initial session normally offered at no charge.

Don’t be afraid to discuss costs upfront so you have a clear idea of the cost before you commit to a treatment plan, and also see whether it’s covered or partially covered under your insurance plan or through your employer.

Chiropractic treatment aims to look at the route of the problem, so the number of sessions can vary from patient to patient. It will really depend on your particular condition, how severe it is and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.

As an example, a recent piece of research published by the American Chiropractic Association found that patients receiving care three to four times a week, for 3 weeks noted a substantial reduction in pain intensity.

In your initial consultation your chiropractor should put together a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific requirements including the estimated number of sessions needed.

Of course you can cancel your treatment plan at any time, however be sure to check the cancellation policy to ensure you’re not left with any unexpected costs.

Through extensive research, chiropractic statistics widely report chiropractic to be an effective treatment.

Research by The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, found that replacing a visit to a doctor with a visit to a chiropractor for back pain, could save Medicare $83.5 million every year.

In fact a study by The Spine Journal found that 56% of patients who saw a doctor saw a 30% reduction in low back pain after 4 weeks. But 94% of patients who underwent chiropractic treatment saw a 30% reduction in low back pain after 4 weeks.

Intertestingly, another study found that 4 out of 10 Americans, will approach a chiropractor before a doctor when suffering from lower back pain!

You may want to speak to your doctor initially as it could be they have a professional they work with closely or can recommend.

Also speak to friends and family who may use a chiropractor, so you can ensure they have a great reputation.

American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also has a search function on their website, which allows you to search for chiropractors in your area, and highlight those who specialise in your condition.

If you have a question you would like answering, please use the comments section below.