One of the most common questions that I get from patients, when they are relocating to a new city, is how do I find a great chiropractor for my family? In some cities there are dozens of choices, so, how do you know which doctor will be right for you? This article will help you walk through the steps of how to choose the right chiropractic doctor.
In 2012, I tore my bicep in Cross-Fit; I researched who was the best upper extremity surgeon to repair my arm. I did not want a general surgeon. I consulted with a few different orthopedic surgeons. I wanted someone who did the surgery every day, all day long, the very best and had the most experience with the surgery I needed. Like the old saying goes, “a jack of all trades and a master of none”! I did not want a general orthopedic surgeon; I wanted a master of the surgery I required.
The best way to know if a chiropractor is right for you and your family is to sit down and talk to them. Most chiropractors are very approachable and will consult with patients. Chiropractic is a very diverse profession, but the specialty that chiropractors can have to offer is being the very best at detecting the cause of your health problem (subluxation) and correcting it with a specific adjustment. Let’s define subluxation; sub is below, lux is light or energy, therefore subluxation is a decrease in life energy (nerve interference) flowing through the spine, which may or may not cause pain/numbness but also is the beginning stages of many health problems. The only thing that corrects subluxation, the problem areas in the spine, is a specific, scientific chiropractic adjustment. Choose a chiropractor that is focused on correcting the root problem rather than trying to treat all the secondary effects of subluxation. It may at first seem convenient to have a multidisciplinary approach, but these chiropractors are like general surgeons and are not specialists. Are they trying to sell you on massages, acupuncture, laser, ultra sound, shock wave therapy? These are all treatments that do not correct subluxation and belong in a physiotherapy clinic.
Question to Ask
1. How are they finding subluxation (the problem)?
2. Do they measure the function of your nervous system objectively with the latest technology available?
3. Do they x-ray your spine to see where the problem areas are and identify any areas of damage that need to be addressed?
4. Do they perform progress exams to measure objective outcomes from their care?
5. Are they up to date with the latest adjusting techniques available?
6. Is their focus on detecting and correcting subluxation or are they selling a little of everything under one roof?
7. Why did they become a chiropractor?
When consulting with the potential new chiropractor and asking these questions, you will know if you have found a passionate doctor who fits your needs. Ultimately you want to find someone that really cares about you and your well- being, which will be evident in their person and the effort they take in discovering what is the root cause of your health concerns. If you feel comfortable with the answers you get, you have likely found the doctor for you.
If you have been struggling with a health condition, and it feels like you can’t find the right solution, I encourage you to give us a call today. After a careful evaluation, if we determine that we cannot help you, we will refer you to the right professional.
Today is a great day to improve your health. If you live in Airdrie or Southern Alberta, we encourage you to give our team at Atlas Family Chiropractic a call today. Our friendly staff will be happy to set up a time for you to come in, learn who we are, and what we can do for you.
