How do I choose a chiropractor?

Finding a Chiropractor

This question was most recently posed to me while lecturing at Wake Forest School of Medicine. M.D.'s are asking; patients are as well. The following are guidelines that I feel are most important to consider.

Interview all physicians, especially your potential chiropractor. There are a wide variety of techniques and attitudes of D.C.'s (Doctors of Chiropractic) as how they approach patient care. Look for one who is:

• Cooperative and competent
• advises treatment based on a diagnosis
• releases patients after improvement
• engages you as a physician, not a technician. This means someone who looks at your experience as a human, not just a machine to work on.
• treats with more than just manipulations or adjustments. Look for a chiropractor who also offers nutritional, soft-tissue, and exercise expertise.

Problem signs:

• focused on "subluxations" or alignment only
• talks about bones out of place
• requires x-rays in order to treat you
• encourages patients to sign a contract or suggests frequent maintenance care

I encourage my patients to have a goal when they visit (e.g. less neck pain, more shoulder motion, less tingling in their fingers). Patients are seeking progress and chiropractors should also. Some chiropractors are willing to treat a patient weekly to maintain health--this has limited and sinking support of scientific evidence. Find a chiropractor who is helping you reach your goals, not someone who is helping pay for their new boat.