Looking for a Chiropractor - Take this Checklist!
In my over 20 years as a Chiropractor in the Houston, Texas area, I've come upon many secrets to eliminating various kinds of pain - headaches, migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, leg pain - you get the idea. And recently, through my cooperation with over 250 other clinics (via an organization called HealthSource Chiropractic), I have put together a checklist of the 7 Key Items that you need to be aware of. So grab this article and go over the checklist with your Chiropractor - your getting out of pain demands it!
So let's start with the 7 POINT CHECKLIST:
1) Get the History Done Even if your pain is so bad that you just want to try anything, your Chiropractor must always take the time to perform a full set of neuro/ortho/muscular exams so that he/she knows precisely how best to treat you. In addition, full spinal x-rays and a surface EMG scan should be used to reveal hidden issues. Since pain in one area is often related to issues elsewhere, a comprehensive investigation is the best start to removing your pain.
2) Make Sure You Get The Full Scoop Your Chiropractor should present the findings of his/her analysis and the basis for the recommended treatment program, explaining exactly where the problem is and how the proposed treatment plan will help. This review should never occur on the same visit as your x-rays & scan - otherwise, the Chiropractor would have no time to study your results and develop a treatment plan designed to your specific problem. There is no "one size fits all" solution!
3) Force the Chiropractor to Set Expectations For any treatment program prescribed, the Chiropractor should be able to explain what results are expected - and when! Many Chiropractors will try to sidestep this, but if your Chiropractor has sufficient experience, he or she should normally be able to project what progress can be expected, and within what time period. So put your Chiropractor on the spot! And while you're at it, ask for a printout of the treatment plan and costs in writing, together with the Chiropractor's financial policy so that there is no misunderstanding later.
4) Make Sure You Get TIme for Questions As you stop in for treatments, it is very important that the Chiropractor knows how you are progressing or if there are any new problems that should be considered. Your Chiropractor should therefore have a standard process for you to communicate progress or new developments to him or her as part of each visit. Additionally, the Chiropractor should also be available for private consultation at any time throughout your treatment plan - and with no extra cost - so that you can discuss your concerns, ask questions or share new information.
5) Never Settle for Only The Chiropractor Chiropractic adjustment alone may never eliminate your pain. Every bone in your spine is connected to one or more muscles, so even if your Chiropractor can bring immediate relief by adjustment of your spine, those vertebrae may slide right back into the wrong place as soon as you stand up, get in your car or go back home. Your treatment plan should therefore include exercise and physical medicine to help your vertebrae hold the adjustment. This is the best way to eradicate your pain for good.
6) Insist on a Regular Re-Exam In order to ensure that you get the the return that you expect on your chiropractic investment, your Chiropractor should complete an periodic examination once a month and/or every 12-15 visits, for the duration of your treatment plan. Otherwise, how will you know if you are making progress? This exam should focus on your problem areas, but also include a review of the rest of your spine as well. The exam should include an EMG scan to note progress and show changes (good or bad) in other areas up and down your spine. As before, the Chiropractor should meet with you to present these results and discuss progress as compared to the original and/or prior findings.
7) Hear from Others Every successful Chiropractor should have helped many other people get better and stay out of pain. And for this, people are thankful (as you soon should be as well). Therefore, your Chiropractor should be able to provide you with glowing reference letters and/or testimonies of people - in similar situations as yours - who have already been helped. You cannot judge a Chiropractor by an advertisement, the style of the facility, friendly clinic staff or even fancy equipment on hand. Only patient results speak the truth! So be sure to ask for these.
Please do NOT be shy about asking your Chiropractor about any of these items - he or she should welcome the fact that you have done your homework!
And finally, if you discuss these simple seven steps with your Chiropractor then you can have every confidence that he or she can help you get out of pain too - for good!
Dr. Salvatore P. Maneen www.HealthSourceHouston.com
