How to Find a Chiropractor

By: Rachel Mork

Your back hurts. You've decided it's time to check out a chiropractor, but do you know how to find a chiropractor? There are many questions to ask the chiropractors you visit about their chiropractic practice and chiropractic clinics to ensure that you receive the best chiropractic service and improve your back health.

What educational background do you have?
Your chiropractor should have a degree that presents him or her as a doctor licensed to practice chiropractics.  He or she should have evidence of passing the National Board Exams and being licensed in the state.

Do you offer a free initial consultation?
A reliable chiropractor will offer you a free consultation and will give you his or her recommendations in writing, along with explanations of his or her assessments.

What objective measurement tools do you use in your practice?
Make sure the chiropractor uses x-rays, ultra sound machines and para-spinal digital infrared-imaging tools. The chiropractor needs to be able to identify fractures, skeletal misalignments and see if the spinal cord or nervous system is responding to treatments. A good chiropractor will use technology to assist him or her in both diagnosis and treatment, using these objective tools to recognize process or the lack thereof.

How will you determine how many treatments I will need?
The chiropractor should have some sort of way of telling if you are improving or not-more so than if you are feeling better. Ask what kind of progress he or she looks for and how he or she measures it. Ask how many treatments it takes a typical person with your same condition. He or she should be able to give you an estimate.

What kind of preventative care do you provide?
You want to choose a chiropractor who is invested in helping you prevent future injuries or misalignments and one who invests in teaching you preventative care such as helpful stretches, exercises or dietary or lifestyle changes. Look for someone who does not just treat the symptoms, but tries to improve your overall health and help you live in a more healthful manner.

Do you have references?
Ask for five references. You'll want to speak to at least three satisfied patients and two health professionals to make sure you're dealing with someone reliable.

Related Life123 Articles

Chiropractic care is a form of holistic healing that focuses on the entire body's well-being-not just the back. Chiropractic treats a wide range of health concerns by focusing on the relationship between your spinal cord and brain and your nervous system.

Different chiropractic clinics may employ different techniques, but most clinics offer standard procedures that are widely accepted in chiropractic circles. The following is a list of common chiropractic techniques and their definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ask.com
More Related Life123 Articles

If low back pain is keeping you sidelined, know that relief is possible. There are chiropractic tips to prevent low back pain that can help you feel better.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in chiropractic health, you have come to the right place. Here, we will take a much closer look at what one needs to do in order to become a chiropractor.
Chiropractic care for children is not what usually comes to mind when we think about a chiropractor. However, many times there is injury to the spinal column during birth that goes on undetected until much later in life.
Answers Partner Sites: Ask Answers  |  Kids Answers  |  Ask How-To  |  Reference Answers  |  Life123 Answers  |  GardenandHearth Answers
Partner Sites: Insider Pages  |  MerchantCircle  |  Urbanspoon  |  Ask Kids  |  Thesaurus
© 2012 Life123, Inc. All rights reserved. An IAC Company