How to choose the best chiropractor for you and your family

Did you ever notice how many chiropractors are in the Atlanta area? Even if you travel to other larger cities, often times you’ll find one or more chiropractor at each major intersection. And contrary to popular belief, they are NOT all the same. Because the majority of chiropractors practice in a private practice, virtually every single thing about any chiropractic office could be different from one office to the next. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best chiropractor for you and your family:

·         What is this doctor’s specialty or area of expertise? From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem as though all chiropractors do the same thing. In one sense that is true- we all adjust! On the other hand, it’s very rare that you’ll find any two chiropractors that practice exactly the same way. This is because many chiropractors choose to focus their practice around a certain patient type- athletes, the elderly, automobile accident cases, pediatric and prenatal patients, etc. Often times, chiropractors receive additional training beyond the core curriculum of chiropractic school to learn how to better care for the specific patient type that they’ve chosen. While this does not mean that a chiropractor couldn’t care for a patient outside of that patient type, but it is possible that another chiropractor nearby may be better suited to care for you based on their area of expertise.

·         What are the chiropractor’s goals for your care? There’s a big difference between adjusting to provide a quick fix and adjusting to create structural stability for long-lasting changes. The frequency of care recommended will reflect the doctor’s goals, so it’s important that you are working with a chiropractor who has goals similar to your own.

·         How willing is the doctor to answer questions? A certain level of transparency can reduce miscommunications and misunderstandings while increasing rapport. Nobody likes to be surprised when it comes to office policies, fees, and insurance practices so finding a doctor who is open about these issues may help create a more pleasant experience.

·         Does the recommendation for care make sense based on the information presented? We’ve heard story after story about patients who feel as though they should have questioned a doctor’s recommendation for care because after agreeing to it, they weren’t really sure why they were doing it in the first place. Unfortunately this applies to all healthcare professions, not just chiropractic. After an examination, the doctor should be able to clearly communicate what he/she found during the exam process, outline the course of treatment, and discuss the goals of that treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure you truly understand the treatment plan.

·         What is that doctor’s reputation around town? The beautiful (and crazy) thing about the internet is that you can read up on almost anything, doctor reviews included. Many offices have a presence on websites such as Facebook, Google+, and Yelp where patients can rate and review their experience in that office. Read up!

Choosing a new chiropractor (or healthcare provider in general) can be a daunting task. Many doctor’s offer a complimentary consultation which allows you to ask all the necessary questions before treatment begins. Take that opportunity to find a doctor that fits your needs and will help you work towards your goals! After all, it is your healthcare!