How to Choose a Chiropractor

Pain that doesn't go away after taking ibuprofen or soaking in a hot bath sends most of us directly to our primary physician who, depending on where the pain is, prescribes pain medication, x-rays or both. While pain medication temporarily dulls most pain, your doctor isn't actually treating the cause of the pain-he or she is only providing you with what you came to him for-pain relief.

Chiropractors also want to eliminate your pain but they want to do it in a way that won't have you constantly refilling prescriptions, re-visiting the office for more tests and x-rays or making plans to enter a hospital for surgery. They want to promote your body's natural ability to heal itself by practicing chiropractic techniques that include

5 Characteristics of a Good Chiropractor

1. Licensed chiropractors have earned a bachelor's or master's chiropractic degree that takes five years to complete and involves courses emphasizing human anatomy, pathology, nutrition and musculoskeletal physiology. The national accrediting entity for chiropractic degree programs in the U.S. is the Council on Chiropractic Accreditation.
2. Well-rounded and experienced chiropractors not only use chiropractic techniques for pain relief but they also encourage holistic practices that promote overall health and well-being. In addition to relieving pain due to muscle overuse and strains, a good chiropractor can treat headaches, shin splints, fibromyalgia pain, sciatica and disc injuries.
3. Good chiropractors are genuinely concerned about your health and sincerely want to help you improve your quality of life. They will take the time to discuss your condition in depth, take detailed notes about your health history and ask what your expectations are before proceeding with a recommended treatment plan.
4. If you can find them, online reviews and testimonials from patients who have personally used the chiropractor may provide you with more information about his or her reputation and efficacy in treating patients.
5. Finally, a good chiropractor will have you feeling better within one to three visits. With an experienced, knowledgeable and confident chiropractor at your side, you won't have to resort to taking expensive medications, surgeries that require lengthy downtime or undergo treatments that do little to relieve your pain.