By: Dr. Ryan Lee
A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, using manual adjustments to the spine and other joints, manipulation, and other body-tune-up techniques. While all Chiropractors go through school, thousands of hours of training, and state licensing, not all chiropractors are created equal. Like any other professional you work with, you want to find a Chiropractor who you trust and are comfortable with. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to choose the right chiropractor for your unique needs.
Why it’s important to choose the right Chiropractor
Just like any professional you work with, you want to find a chiropractor that you are comfortable with and will help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Finding a good chiropractor is as important as finding a good doctor or dentist. A good chiropractor can provide value to your health by helping treat chronic pain or injuries, and work with you to make lifestyle changes that will help your overall health and well-being.
Tips For Choosing A Great Chiropractor
Everyone wants value for their money, and with a chiropractor being one of those many necessary appointments in life (think dentist or doctor), it’s important to find someone who offers value for your dollar. Here are a few tips that can help you find a great chiropractor for your personal needs.
First, be sure to ask questions. In a previous post, we talked about 10 questions you should ask your chiropractor. Asking questions is a great way to get to know your chiropractor and how you will work together on your wellness journey. A great chiropractor will take the time to answer all of your questions in a way that you can understand and will make you feel comfortable at your appointment. Find a chiropractor who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process.
Next, be aware of your individual needs. There are chiropractors who have certain specialties. These specialties include:
Radiology: These Chiropractors work closely with imaging tests. It involves training to read X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), sonography, and positron emission tomography (PET scan).
Rehabilitation: These Chiropractors help people recover from injuries, especially those to the back, legs, feet, or arms.
Clinical nutrition: Some chiropractors take extra courses to earn a certificate from either the American Clinical Board of Nutrition or Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition. They offer in-depth dietary advice and plans on top of chiropractic care.
Internist: These Chiropractors specialize in conditions that go beyond joints and muscles. It can include autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, and infections.
Neurology: These Chiropractors focus on nonsurgical treatment options for neuromuscular and orthopedic issues.
Sports medicine: These Chiropractors specialize in sports-related injuries. They focuses on preventing and recovering from injury without surgeries or medication.
Pediatrics and pregnancy: This specialty involves children and their growing spines. It also includes spinal care before and after giving birth.
How To Research Your Doctor Before Choosing One
When choosing your Chiropractor, you should do your research. Licensure is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a chiropractor. It tells you that the chiropractor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide chiropractic care.
You can also ask for referrals. Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral list of chiropractors. You can also ask family, friends and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Take the time to research the chiropractors’ credentials and experience. As you narrow down your list, call each chiropractor’s office to see if they are accepting new patients. If so, ask about their process for new patients and consultations.
Reading what other people have to say about a chiropractor can also provide insight into how the chiropractor provides care, and how their practice operates. Patient reviews typically reflect people’s experience with scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, and office staff friendliness. You can learn how well patients trust the chiropractor, how much time he or she spends with their patients, and how well he or she answers questions. You can read some of our reviews here.
Look For Additional Services They Offer
Some chiropractic offices go above and beyond just chiropractic care. For example, at Reach Health and Wellness, we also have a licensed massage therapist on staff. Other chiropractors may offer nutritional services, acupuncture, or even physical therapy. These additional offerings can help with your overall wellness journey and benefit your health with a holistic approach.
If you’re looking for a good chiropractor in the Collegedale, Ooltewah, Cleveland, East Brainerd, East Ridge, Ringgold, Apison, or Harrison areas of Tennessee, look no further! Reach out to us to see if there’s a good mutual fit for your chiropractic and massage needs.
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Dr. Ryan Lee is the practicing chiropractic physician at Reach Health and Wellness Chiropractic. For his full bio, click here. *This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Ryan Lee and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Dr. Lee does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
