How to Safely Select a Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a profession with a wide variety of practice philosophies and techniques, which can make it difficult to select the best chiropractor. Because chiropractic treatment is a physical procedure, you should be happy with both your rapport with your chiropractor and your compatibility with his or her joint manipulation style. 

A good place to start is to ask your primary care physician or physical therapist for a recommendation. They will know different chiropractors who specialize in different areas. It also helps to ask friends, co-workers and neighbors. If the same name comes up multiple times, chances are good that the chiropractor is reliable.

Before beginning treatment, you might want to conduct a phone interview or request an in-office visit to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and the techniques used by the chiropractor. Most people need to feel comfortable with the chiropractor and clinic to have an overall positive experience. Feeling comfortable can depend a lot on personal preferences, from how long you have to wait in a waiting room to how easy it is to park your car near the clinic.

Questions to ask yourself about your initial conversation with your potential chiropractor include:

- Was the chiropractor friendly and courteous?

- Did you feel comfortable talking with him or her?

- Did he or she fully answer all your questions?

- Did he or she listen to your complete explanation of your symptoms and treatment preferences?

- How many years has he or she been practicing?

 - Does he or she have a specific specialty (for example, some chiropractors pursue post-graduate programs in sports medicine, nutrition, prenatal chiropractic, and so on.)

You may even want to check if there are any disciplinary actions against your chiropractor with your state’s Chiropractic Regulation and Licensing Board, which can usually be found on the board’s website. Remember, a chiropractor is a healthcare professional, and selecting any health care professional for treatment should be done with care. You don’t have to settle for the first chiropractor you speak with - it may be best to make your choice from three to five candidates.

Always remember that while the chiropractor’s role is to recommend a course of treatment for you, it is your decision whether or not to accept that doctor’s recommendations. You should never feel pressured into a treatment or payment decision. Keep the power in your hands - you’ll walk a little taller, something your chiropractor would likely be proud to see!