How to Find the Best Chiropractor For You

How to Find the Best Chiropractor Near You

Have you missed a lot of work days because of the pain affecting your lower back? If so, you're not alone. More than 2 million low back pain episodes take place in the United States every year.

After all, it's one of the most prevalent types of back pain. It accounts for about 3.15% of emergency visits every year. It may seem a small percentage, but considering that 141.4 million ER visits occur yearly, that represents almost half a million instances.

But low back pain is only one type of physical body pain. Whether you're looking for the best chiropractor because of back pain or another type, you want to make sure he/she is indeed the right choice.

How exactly do you that though?

It's quite a lengthy process, but rest assure that it's time well-spent, since it'll allow you to ensure you get the tailored treatment you deserve.

What Exactly Prompted You to Start Seeking a Chiropractor?

This is one of the first things you need to do to find a good chiropractor. Why? 

For the simple reason that some practitioners have specializations. Areas of expertise that may best suit your particular needs. 

For instance, the pain you suffer from results from a specific sports injury. Perhaps tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Or maybe running injuries that make your knee so painful it's become hard to get up. 

Then there's also the possibility you have serious neck pain following a car crash. What you have is most likely whiplash injury, a condition that can result in symptoms more serious than just severe pain. 

And let's not forget occupational hazards in the form of musculoskeletal disorders. 

Back pain, in particular, is the most common type. It's also the leading cause of disability all over the world. It's so common that as much as 80% of all people will experience it. And half of the working population in the United States suffer from its symptoms. 

These are only a few of the many reasons people want to see a chiropractor. But to make sure that you receive care tailored to your specific requirements, look for a practitioner specializing in treatments most appropriate to your condition.

The Best Chiropractor is Well Recognized

Whenever you're feeling ill, the first healthcare specialist you turn to is your primary care physician. You trust your primary doctor, so you can trust their recommendations for a top chiropractor too. If you're seeing a spine specialist, it's also a good idea to ask for their recommendation.

The point here is, only the best practitioners get recognition for their work. The professionals they share the healthcare industry with respect them. So, don't hesitate to ask your team of medical and health care providers for help.

Qualifications

Keep in mind that chiropractors, although not medical degree holders, are still medical practitioners.

That means they need to have a license before they can provide chiropractic care. And before they can get that license, they must have completed an undergraduate degree and a four-year chiropractic program. And that they obtained this program - a Doctor of Chiropractic degree - from an institution accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Simply put, you need to ensure your chosen chiropractor meets all these qualifications. Regardless of the state they operate in, the law requires them to satisfy all these criteria before they can practice.

Do Their Techniques Fit Your Needs?

As mentioned above, not all chiropractors have areas of specialty. Those who do undergo additional education and training. After all, there are more than 100 different types of chiropractic treatments, each of which have certain benefits and advantages over the others. 

Of course, how advantageous still depends on each patient case. It's for this reason that you'd want to do your homework too. This way, you can learn more about the most common chiropractic care methods. 

In addition to spinal adjustments and manipulation, massage, tailored exercise program, as well as heat and ice therapy are some of the most common chiropractic treatments. 

Also, you may want to check the additional care services of your prospects. Procedures such as massage therapy, cryotherapy, and heat application can help you improve pain management. 

In choosing a practitioner specializing in these other treatments, you can shorten the time your body needs to recover. You'll get back sooner on your feet, literally and figuratively. 

Location, Location, Location

To easily find a chiropractor, you'd need one to have a practice near you, right? That's why location is also important as you look for one. You want the doctor to have an office near your house or office, as this also benefits you in more ways than just offering convenience. 

Keep in mind that emergencies can always happen, and you may find yourself in serious pain. It won't do you any good if you have a chiropractor too far from where you live or work. Also, a chiropractic office that isn't near you can give you an excuse not to go for your scheduled appointments. 

This raises another important consideration when looking for the best chiropractor: The number of sessions you need. 

Because chiropractic treatments aren't one-size-fits-all, the number of sessions you'll need depends on your specific condition. Your chiropractor will base this on the problem's severity and frequency of pain or symptoms. 

When you need to go for a couple of sessions a week, your doctor's location can make a huge difference. For instance, the pain may be too severe for you to drive or commute that you'd have to miss your sessions. 

So, as you can see, location impacts your overall treatment and the results you can get from it more than you can ever imagine. 

Take that Step to Better Pain Management Now

Whatever pain you suffer from, letting it be can have a drastic, negative impact on your life. Also, keep in mind that pain has a connection with depression and other psychological conditions. The last thing you want is to feel pain both in a physical and emotional manner. 

So, before your painful condition squeezes more life out of you, take your first step to better pain management now. And that starts with working with the best chiropractor for you.

Connect with us now to find out how we can help you regain control of your life and live it to the fullest.