Finding a Chiropractor – Part II

After you have made an initial decision about the complexity of your needs there are several other considerations when picking a Chiropractor. Since your Chiropractor may be a health partner for decades or even the rest of your life I would suggest your decision making process include some or all of the following.

1. Before you go to any DC look them up on line, visit their website, look at the quality of their information. Look for complaints and check with the regulatory agencies. Know a little about them if possible before you enter their office.
2. Once you find Chiropractors you think you might like look for a Chiropractor who does a thorough work up to rule out conditions contraindicated to Chiropractic care. One who will make referrals when indicated and work in concert with other health care professionals in your best interest. I would also recommend a Chiropractor who can think out of the box and has a deep bag of tricks at his or her disposal. He or she should also be willing to discuss and explain your health care concerns to you in terms you understand.
3. Look for a Chiropractor who is not fixated on your symptoms as a measure of your improvement but doesnít ignore your symptoms either. You would be surprised at actually how big of an issue this can be. While it is true your body can heal from almost anything when nerve interference is removed, ignoring symptoms visit after visit without modifying the treatment approach is poor doctoring and not what you are looking for. This is a common issue in high volume practices where denying personalized care keeps the visit short.
4. Look for a DC with massage available in the office. If there is no massage then look for a DC who will do myofascial release or ART  (active release technique).
5. Ask your DC if they do extremity work ñ you will need it from time to time.
6. Ask your DC if they treat peripheral neuropathies, (carpal tunnel, Thoracic outlet syndromes). There are many peripheral neuropathies and DCs who treat them have a deeper bag of tricks.
7. Look for a Chiropractor who educates you about proper exercises and stretches for your particular condition(s). Empowerment is a good thing.
8. Look for a Chiropractor who educates you not only about your particular problem but how you body works in general. Again empowerment is a good thing.
9. Look for a Chiropractor who will educate you on ergonomic issues at work.
10. Look for a Chiropractor who emphasis core work along with your exercise routine. All outcome studies indicate core work is key to rehabilitation and prevention
11. Look for a Chiropractor who emphasis balance works, (kinesthetics) with your exercise routine. All outcome studies indicate kinesthetic work is key to rehabilitation and prevention.

Follow these simple ideas and you will find a great Chiropractor one who will enhance your health and your life. There are many diamonds in the Chiropractic community so donít limit yourself to looking for the choices described above. If you prefer low force or no force techniques there are many to choosee from and you have some research to do so go to http://www.chirobase.org/09Links/chirotech.html and learn all you can about the different types of Chiropractic techniques you can choose from.
I can be reached at: 360-254-4040.

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