How To Select The Best Chiropractor

Chiropractic manipulation is a recognized and popular pain relief treatment, with an estimated 6% to 12% of the U.S. population seeking care each year, according to a 2007 study. Given the current U.S. population (more than 306 million people), that could mean anywhere from 18 million to 36 million chiropractic visits in 2009.

Because chiropractic is a profession with a large variety of practice philosophies and techniques, selecting a good chiropractor can be a challenge.

This article outlines 6 key areas to ask questions and provides guidelines for what to expect with chiropractic care. It also highlights some red flags that may indicate questionable approaches.

When looking for a chiropractor, a good place to start is to ask your primary care physician or spine specialist for the names of chiropractors who appear competent and trustworthy. It also helps to ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations.

Exercise caution however, because one person’s definition of a good chiropractor may be quite different from another person’s definition. In general, if multiple resources recommend the same chiropractor, chances are good that the chiropractor is reliable.

While recommendations can be valuable, it is also important to find a practitioner who can meet an individual’s specific needs. This article includes guidelines of questions to ask when interviewing a chiropractor that can help assess the skills, qualifications and style of the chiropractor. Before starting treatment with a chiropractor, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an office consultation to find out more about how he or she practices.

Find an integrated clinic at the Spine-health Spine Center Directory.

• Article written By:
• Kelly Andrews, DC

December 18, 2008

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