If you are in Denton, Texas and need a chiropractor, you have many choices available to you. Whatever one you choose; you want to do research on them before your first meeting. You may need to interview several before you choose one to work with for treatment. Here are ten items to consider when you choose a chiropractor.
1. Education and background
Chiropractors should have a four-year degree that includes four years of professional training. Their degree should be on display in their office. Most can be checked online. If you can, find out the school they attended. The chiropractic training program and the college they attended should be accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education.
Also see if there are any past or present disciplinary actions against this chiropractor. Check your state’s Chiropractic Regulation and Licensing Board website.
2. Experience
Find out how long the chiropractor has been in practice and how long they have been in their current job. Your chiropractor should have experience with your specific problem. If they recommend any “new” forms of treatment for your pain or health problem, ask how much experience they have with this form of treatment.
3. Approach to treatment
Chiropractors vary widely in their approach to treatment and their recommendations for a treatment plan. They should be skilled in a selection of at least four or five techniques. After your initial interview, your chiropractor should tell you the specific technique or techniques that will benefit you and why these have been chosen. You need an approach and treatment plan that feels right for you.
Spinal manipulation and adjustment is the most common treatment they recommend. Different ones will perform this differently. Some will use a firm touch, others a lighter touch. Some will manipulate your spine using only their hands, others will use instruments.
It is important to note that adjustments should not be painful, though some soreness may occur at first. If you have pain during or after treatment, you discuss it with your chiropractor.
4. Recommendations
Ask your friends and family members to recommend a chiropractor they like, particularly if they live close to you. The best way to find a good chiropractor is by word of mouth. Online reviews can be useful, but are easily manipulated.
If your family members or friends have a chiropractor to recommend, ask if they experienced quick relief from their symptoms after visiting the chiropractor. Was the chiropractor courteous and willing to work with what they wanted to develop the best course of treatment?
5. The treatment recommended
After an initial exam and medical history, a treatment plan should be given to you in writing. In some cases, blood work or X-rays may be ordered to give the chiropractor more information on your condition; however, most patients will not need this.
Your treatment plan should clearly explain what techniques or forms of treatment will be used, why this is the best course of treatment for your condition, how often it will occur, and for how long. A good chiropractor’s goal should be to use as few appointments as possible and the most affordable treatments that can be effective.
Your treatment plan should also include things you can do at home and at work to prevent pain and treat your ailment. Often they give nutritional advice, ideas for exercises to treat pain and correct posture, and advice on creating an ergonomic workspace that is good for your back, neck, and shoulders.
6. The cost
They should be honest about the cost of your treatment before you begin. With your treatment plan, you should be given in writing an estimated number of appointments you will need for treatment and the total cost of these sessions. If you have health insurance that covers a chiropractor, make sure your chiropractor takes that insurance and determine what your copays will be.
If finances are a concern, your chiropractor should be willing to work with you by providing the most efficient treatment in the shortest amount of time. Ask about possible payment plans and discounts.
7. Services available
Many provide other services, such as nutritional counseling or massage therapy. Many may work with a massage therapist in their office. If you yours recommends additional services, find out how these will benefit you and if these are offered in the same office.
8. Referrals to other professionals
Some conditions are not safe for a chiropractor to treat alone. Other may be more suited to treat certain conditions or you may need a referral to a medical doctor. Ask your chiropractor if they make referrals to other health professionals and under what circumstances.
9. Monitor your symptoms during treatment
You should experience significant relief from your pain or symptoms within one to four weeks of treatment. If at any time you feel your pain has continued in spite of the treatment or gets worse, tell your chiropractor as soon as possible. They should switch to another course of treatment until you find what works.
10. Watch for red flags
In these circumstances, you may want to see another chiropractor:
- Claims to “cure” chronic conditions, such as asthma or fibromyalgia.
- Tells you to stop taking medication or disregard advice from medical doctors.
- Recommends long-term treatment, such as more than one appointment a week for six months.
- Requires a large payment up front for an unspecified number of appointments.
- Continues with a specific treatment after you have reported that your pain has not lessened.
- Uses the same treatment for every condition and every patient.
