How to Choose a Chiropractor Near You

Hiring the right chiropractor can be difficult. The right chiropractor can help relieve pain in your back, shoulders, and other areas of your body so you can get back to enjoying a normal life.

Check out this guide to learn how to choose a chiropractor.

1. Ask Around and Read Reviews

So, to begin your search, ask family members, friends, and coworkers for recommendations.

Often, you’ll get the most honest and in-depth reviews from people you know. Plus, they have no stake in the game, so these people will give you unbiased information about what they like and don’t like about their chiropractor.

If you’re having trouble finding someone you know who sees a chiropractor, also check Google My Business and Yelp will provide you with some great answers.

Also, check out the online portal of your insurance provider, as people often leave reviews for specific doctors on these sites.

2. Research the Credentials of the Chiropractor

So, before you book an appointment, make sure you look into the chiropractor’s credentials.

The chiropractor should be licensed to work in the state in which you live, and, they shouldn’t have any outstanding medical malpractice suits against them. 

3. Look Into Their Experience

However, experience matters a lot when you’re dealing with spinal health issues. And, the more experienced a chiropractor is, the better your results will likely be. 

4. Find One Who Specializes in Your Problem

Chiropractic specialties include:

• Sports chiropractics
• Pediatric chiropractics
• Neurological chiropractics
• Nutritional chiropractics
• Acupuncture chiropractics
• Occupational chiropractics

And even more! So, if you have a specific need or problem, make sure you hire a chiropractor who specializes in that area. The more hands-on experience they have with your problem, the better off you’ll be.

5. Conduct Telephone Interviews

So, to see if a chiropractor is a good fit for you, conduct a phone interview.

During this phone interview, you want to ask the right questions to gauge if you’ll feel comfortable around the chiropractor.

Now, good chiropractors are busy, so you may not get to speak directly with any over the phone. However, you can ask the front desk everything you need to know. And often, the front desk staff is a big reflection of the clinic so you can tell a lot just by talking to them.

During the phone interview, ask yourself the following:

• Is the staff friendly and courteous?
• Do I feel comfortable speaking with them and asking questions?
• Are they fully answering my questions or are they being short?
• Are they listening to my concerns and preferences?

By paying attention to these things during the phone interview, you’ll be able to gauge whether the chiropractic clinic is a good fit for you or not.

6. Ask About Chiropractic Techniques

For example, some doctors use just their hands to provide pain relief, while others incorporate various instruments.

Also, some chiropractors use a light touch, while others focus on firm and quick manipulation. And, some patients prefer low-force techniques that offer gradual relief, while others prefer the immediate relief of “joint popping”.

Before hiring a chiropractor, it’s important to ask them which techniques they incorporate into their practice and why. Most chiropractors are experienced in at least 4 to 5 techniques, and, they’ll know which ones to pick specifically for you.

7. Watch Out for Red Flags

Most chiropractors are legitimate. However, like any other industry, there are some scammers out there. So, look out for the following red flags:

• They chiropractor claims to know a “new special technique” that other chiropractors aren’t practicing yet
• They claim to “cure” conditions like diabetes, asthma, heartburn, and chronic illnesses
• They recommend a long-term and time-consuming treatment plan
• They recommend the same treatment for pretty much every patient
• They keep pushing ongoing care with them
• They require a substantial amount of money upfront

If you notice any of these red flags, run for the hill.

How to Choose a Chiropractor