Why You Should Be Honest with Your Chiropractor
By Sara Butler
Your mom always told you that honesty is the best policy. As with many other things in life, your mom is absolutely right. When it comes to your health and wellness, it's especially important to always be honest with your healthcare provider -- chiropractor included. Sure, you may not be proud of the fact that you threw your back out showing your kid how to swing a baseball bat or because you had a few too many margaritas in Times Square, but when you're not honest about every aspect of your health and what may have contributed to certain conditions, then your health will suffer. Here's why it's so incredibly important to always be honest with your chiropractor and how you can make it happen.
Your Treatment
The chiropractor's ability to treat your condition is going to be limited by the information you provide. Sure, it sounds obvious -- but if you're not truthful about the areas of your body that are in pain, then the chiropractor won't know where to look or where to shift focus. It's not that patients withhold information on purpose most of the time; it's more that patients tend to minimize the pain they may be in or try to rationalize why they're feeling it. Don't do that -- your chiropractor wants to know everything about your pain and discomfort.
Your Bad Habits
This is the area where people have a hard time to share 100 percent of what they're doing. After all, you know what habits are bad and probably even why you shouldn't practice them, but you do anyway. Simply remember that no matter how embarrassed you feel, you must be up front with your chiropractor. It's not their job to make you feel bad about some of your less savory habits or tell you that you're doing something wrong, but it is their job to help you live a healthy life free from discomfort and pain. If you're not honest about everything, then it hampers their ability to do their job effectively.
Communicate Your Pain
One of your biggest jobs as a patient is to communicate your pain, but it's easier said than done. To help you do this, make sure to:
- Write down questions and concerns before you meet with the chiropractor
- Consider bringing a family member or friend with you
Honesty really is the best policy. Make your mom proud and be sure to always follow her advice the best you can -- your health and wellness depend upon it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.