The US is home to over 70,000 chiropractors. This can make choosing one a challenge. But when you find the right doctor, you can receive appropriate treatment and live without pain.
Read on for tips on how to pick chiropractic clinics that are right for you.
Consider Why You Need a Chiropractor
If you’ve been having chronic pain, make sure you’ve ruled out other causes before going to a chiropractor. Visit a doctor first and go through a thorough diagnostic process. If you still have pain after this, it’s safe to say that you need treatment from a chiropractor.
Check Out the Clinic’s Website
A good chiropractic clinic will have a website that has all the information you need. Look for things like hours of operation, patient testimonials, and reviews.
See if they have a contact form for you to fill out. This is the first step in getting in touch with them.
Look for a blog as well. A blog is an easy way for a clinic to share information with patients and other people interested in chiropractic care.
If they have a blog, they care about informing their patients. This is a good sign that the clinic is compassionate and wants to offer a great service.
Read Online Reviews
When searching for a chiropractor, reading online reviews is essential. This is especially true when you’re new to the area and don’t have any personal recommendations from friends or family.
The number of reviews matters. If there are only five reviews and all five are negative, find another clinic.
Check how long ago the reviews were posted. You want recent feedback that gives an accurate picture of what it’s like to get treatment at this clinic.
Old complaints may no longer be relevant. The clinic may have changed management or improved its processes since then.
Compare Costs
Comparing chiropractic clinic costs is an important part of choosing a clinic. You want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
It’s also important to consider what factors influence how much a particular chiropractor will charge. Some clinics may offer lower rates, but they also have less experienced doctors or may not offer as many services as other facilities do.
Experience
A good rule of thumb is to look for a doctor with at least five years of chiropractic care experience.
You should also ask about the doctor’s credentials and education. Many doctors obtain a degree before entering into practice. Besides a degree, a chiropractor should be licensed by their state’s licensing board.
Choose a Nearby Office
If it’s your first visit to a chiropractor for injuries, make sure the clinic is located near where you live or work. This can save time in scheduling appointments and travel time.
Amenities
Ask about amenities such as parking availability, patient lounges with Wi-Fi access, and child care services. Amenities are useful if you’re planning to wait for an appointment. The clinic should also offer a variety of payment options, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
Watch for Red Flags
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a clinic seems shady, trust your gut and move on.
If you decide to go with a particular chiropractor, keep an eye out for red flags. Make sure they don’t pressure you into buying unnecessary treatments or products without giving you enough time to consider the options first.
Check to see if they offer any guarantees, such as relieving back pain in three days. Confirm whether those claims are backed by solid evidence before making a commitment. If not, the clinic lacks credibility and you shouldn’t go there.
Services
Most clinics offer a variety of treatments, including spinal adjustments, massage, and rehabilitation exercises. Some may specialize in one or two areas. Ask your chiropractor what services they provide and what they recommend for your condition.
If you’re looking for relief from back pain but the doctor only offers spinal adjustments, then it won’t help as much as if they also offered massage therapy.
Operating Hours
Make sure they have time slots available for you during your work week. If you need an appointment on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., it’s probably not going to happen if their office closes at 3:30 p.m.
Besides weekday hours, ask the clinic if they’re open on weekends and holidays. If you work a 9 to 5 job, you’ll need to find a clinic that’s open during those hours.
You want to be able to see your chiropractor when you need them, not just when they’re in the office. If it’s an urgent matter, you may not be able to wait until Monday or Tuesday. Find a clinic that has extended hours so you can get the care you need right away.
You may even want to ask if they offer 24-hour care in case of emergencies.
Ask About Options For Auto Accident Related Injuries
If you’ve been in a car crash, ask the chiropractor about their experience with full spectrum chiropractic auto accidents. This will give you an idea of how well they understand the kinds of problems that come from car accidents. It’s important to find a chiropractor who can work with you on issues like whiplash, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury.
Consider Your Limitations
Some chiropractors work with patients who have certain conditions like pregnancy or diabetes. Others don’t accept patients on medications or with pre-existing conditions. Your state may also have restrictions on who can receive certain chiropractic services.
You’ll need to ask your chiropractor about their policies. You can also consult with a medical professional before starting any treatment plan.
Customer Service
As with any doctor, you want to make sure that your chiropractor has excellent customer service. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in the doctor who’s treating you. You should be able to ask questions and have them answered in a way that you understand.
Observe how the staff interacts with patients and each other. If they seem welcoming, that’s a good sign that you’ll receive friendly service.
Child Services
If you have children, it’s important to find a chiropractor who can treat them. Many chiropractors offer pediatric services and can work with children of all ages.
Ask for Referrals
If you’re looking for a chiropractor, ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you don’t have any referrals from people you know, search online for local chiropractors and check out their websites. You may also want to contact the American Chiropractic Association for information about finding an accredited doctor in your area.
Speak to Past Clients
If you can, speak to the doctor’s past patients. You can reach out to anyone who left a review of the chiropractor and question them. Ask about the success of their treatment.
If they don’t recommend the chiropractor, ask why. You should also ask about any complaints about their performance or ethics.
Videos
If you’re interested in a specific chiropractor, look for videos of their service online. You can find these on their website or on YouTube. The video will give you a good idea of what to expect from the doctor’s practice and whether it’s something that would work for you.
Mobile Services
Some chiropractors offer mobile services. Many people prefer this option because they don’t have to take time off work or schedule an appointment. You can also talk with the doctor in private rather than sitting in a public waiting room.
American Chiropractic Association Membership
The American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional association of chiropractors in the United States. Its members are dedicated to helping people achieve lifelong health and wellness through chiropractic care.
If the doctors at the clinic are members, this means they have gone through a rigorous application process and have been approved by the ACA. Members are required to meet high standards of education and ethics. They must also participate in continuing education courses throughout their careers.
You want to make sure that your chiropractor has a current membership with the ACA, since this is a sign of professionalism. Confirm their membership by calling the association at 703-276-8800.
Pick Chiropractic Clinics That Will Help Your Unique Injuries
It’s hard to pick chiropractic clinics without doing research beforehand. Review the doctor’s experience, whether they accept your insurance, and how long they’ve been in business.
You also want to ask about their specialties. For instance, if you have a specific injury, like back pain or an auto accident injury, find out if they have experience treating that type of condition.
Confirm that your chiropractor is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, as this indicates their experience.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, read our health articles for tips to live a healthier life.
