By Kyle Haynes, DC
Choosing a new health care provider can be very difficult, especially in a form of health care that you may not be very familiar with. This article is intended to help people in finding the best doctor of chiropractic to help them meet their health goals.
For over one hundred years, people of all ages have been seeking out doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractors are very well trained in the structure and function of the human body, and are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. All board-certified chiropractors have completed at least 4,400 classroom hours in a chiropractic graduate school program that has a curriculum covering anatomy/physiology, clinical diagnosis, neurology, clinical nutrition, physiotherapy, biochemistry, psychology, microbiology, pathology/immunology, obstetrics, radiology, spinal analysis and spinal adjusting techniques. Every chiropractor must then pass the board examinations required by their state to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic.
The chiropractic approach to health care is to identify and help to correct the causes of people’s pain, dysfunction, and “dis-ease” in their bodies. The primary focus of most chiropractors is analyzing the function of the central nervous system. This system controls every organ, tissue, and cell in the body and its function is essential in achieving optimum health.
Chiropractors find evidence of nerve irritation that is caused by subtle misalignments of one or more bones of the spinal column. This nerve irritation that is caused by a loss of healthy spinal biomechanics is known as a “vertebral subluxation complex.” Once identified, the chiropractor then corrects the cause of the nerve irritation, which helps restore normal function to the body.
There are dozens of different chiropractic analysis and adjusting techniques being utilized by chiropractors to correct the vertebral subluxation complex. Many chiropractors also work with their patients on making healthy lifestyle, nutritional, and exercise decisions to promote healing and keep their bodies functioning at their maximum potential.
Since there are many chiropractors and chiropractic techniques out there, it is important to find the best fit for you. A very important factor in the doctor and patient relationship is trust. Everyone should be comfortable with the care and advice they are receiving. For that to happen they need to trust the person providing those services. This trust should be established before any care or advice is accepted by a patient. Start by setting up a consultation with a chiropractor so you can meet them, see their office and ask questions. Some chiropractors do not charge for a consultation with a prospective patient.
Because of the difference in doctors and techniques, it is encouraged to put together a list of three to five local chiropractors to set up a consultation with. Talk to friends, family, and coworkers to see if they have any recommendations. If they make a referral, ask them if they have personally been under care with that doctor and to describe their experience. It is also a good idea to ask your other healthcare providers whom they would recommend one of their own family members to see.
Here are some things to discuss in the consultation. Talk to the doctor about the health goals you want to reach. Discuss what your role and the doctor’s role will be in achieving those health goals. Ask them to describe the various adjusting techniques they use in their office. Ask them to describe their experience in dealing with the specific conditions you are presenting to them and what their course of action would be in helping achieve desired results. Ask them if they are willing to work with or recommend other health care professionals if your health goals are not achieved in their office. These questions should give you a good idea if this is a provider you may want to work with.
When you have decided upon a doctor of chiropractic you are comfortable working with, make sure to continue to be a wise health care consumer throughout your course of care. If you feel like the chiropractor is very thorough at each visit, clearly explains his or herself, and provides positive results, you are probably in the right place.
Here is your checklist. A chiropractor should:
- Treat you with professionalism and respect
- Listen to your health concerns
- Answer your questions clearly
- Make every effort to help you reach your health goals
- Advise you on how to avoid future health problems
- Take X-rays when needed and explain why they are necessary
- Be licensed in your state
- Refer you as needed
There are many things to consider in choosing any new health care provider. It is important to gather all the information and be comfortable with your decision.
For more information about chiropractic for your family, contact us at 309-839-8238 or visit haynesfamilychiropractic.com. They are located at 1921 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Suite D, Peoria, IL 61614.
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