Each year, millions of Americans seek the medical care of a chiropractor for pain relief, as well as a number of other conditions. If you have never been treated by a chiropractor, you may have a lot of questions, including how to find the right healthcare professional for you. Because there are so many different techniques, you will want to make sure you choose a chiropractor that you not only trust, but one that also matches up with your healthcare needs. But do you know how to pick a good chiropractor? We can help.
WHICH CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE IS BEST?
Overall, chiropractors generally have the same focus. However, how their treatment plans likely vary between practices and even from patient to patient. A good chiropractor will combine their knowledge and understanding and tailor it to fit your specific needs and goals.
Chiropractors can treat a variety of different medical conditions, by aligning the spine through a number of manipulations. These conditions include back pain, herniated discs, migraine headaches, and much more. Techniques used to provide chiropractic care include hands-only manipulations, as well as others that use adjustment tools. You may also find that some chiropractors have a firm touch than others.
COMMON HANDS-ON TECHNIQUES
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is probably exactly what you think of when you think of seeking chiropractic care. These hands-on adjustments are performed with high-velocity and low-amplitude. This manipulation can result in the loud popping and cracking sounds. While the adjustment is not a painful procedure, there may be some soreness at the source of the pain.
Spinal Mobilization
If spinal manipulation is intimidating to you, due to the popping and cracking, there are other options for treatment. Spinal mobilization is a gentler treatment that uses slow and steady movements through the range of motion to making the needed adjustment. With this type of hands-on technique, your chiropractor may also stimulate the spinal joints some type of instrument. Keep in mind, spinal mobilization can sometimes lead to a slower recovery and a longer treatment plan.
CHIROPRACTOR TERMS
Spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization have similar goals, you may prefer one technique over the other. Patients have seen successful treatment results using both, and your chiropractor may recommend using a combination of the two for your physical rehabilitation. Some of the common treatment terms you may hear at your chiropractor’s office include:
- Gonstead Technique
- Activator Technique
- Flexion Distraction
- Drop Table Technique
- Diversified Technique
With certain conditions, more advanced techniques may need to be used for treatment. One of those practiced at Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine is Regenerative Cellular Therapy. Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy can help to relieve your pain without surgery and medicine. Commonly, it is used to regenerate injuries to tendons, damage to ligaments, and degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and loss of cartilage.
With your medical history, and a complete analysis of the troubles you are having, your chiropractor will be able to help you decide which technique is best for you.
HOW DO I PICK A GOOD CHIROPRACTOR FOR ME?
For more than 100 years now, chiropractors have performed spinal manipulations and adjustments to relieve pain and increase the function in joints. But it is common to find that most chiropractors have their own way of doing things. So, how do you know which is right for you? There are several factors to take into consideration as you make your decision.
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Ask for recommendations.
If you have a primary care doctor, they can be the first step in finding recommendations for a chiropractor. You may also want to talk to your family, friends and other healthcare providers for recommendations. As you narrow your search, be sure to call the chiropractor’s office to see if they are accepting new patients.
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Research, research, research.
You should have an understanding of your chiropractor’s experience, including their training and licenses. You may also want to check to make sure the provider has not faced any malpractice claims or disciplinary action.
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Experience matters.
Your spine is a sensitive area, so you want to make sure that the chiropractor you choose has plenty of experience. You may want to ask your potential chiropractor how, and how many times, he has treated your specific, as well as the typical outcome he or she has seen as a result.
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Communication Style.
Communication is key in any relationship, personal or professional, and being able to openly discuss your needs with your chiropractor is especially important. Be sure you have a healthcare provider that you are comfortable asking questions to, and who has a genuine interest in understanding you and the issues you face.
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Read the reviews.
While you may have received recommendations from friends, family, or even your doctor, a review from other pages will give you a larger picture of well your chiropractor provides care. Look specifically at things that matter to you, including wait times, office environment, friendliness of staff, etc.
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Check your insurance.
You have done your research on chiropractors now, and may have a short list. Be sure to check that the providers you are interested in will accept your insurance. Finding a chiropractor in your network will give you the most benefits and save you on out-of-pocket costs.
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT A CHIROPRACTOR?
Whether you have ongoing, or sudden, pain that is affecting your daily life, it may be time to contact a chiropractor to see how they can offer you relief. Not only can a chiropractor help you stay healthy, flexible and active, they can also be a preventative measure in finding and fixing smaller issues before they become big problems. Make sure you pick a chiropractor that is a good fit for your needs and goals.