Do you suffer from painful recurring headaches? Do you have arthritis? Are you experiencing pain and discomfort? Have you been in an accident? Are you looking to increase your health? Are you suffering with breathing issues or acid reflux? Do you pain in your feet or hands? Are you pregnant and looking to increase your comfort? Are you recovering from a car collision?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you are likely going to be looking for find a chiropractor.
What makes a chiropractor better than over-the-counter pain relievers and primary care physicians? They believe in natural health care.
A chiropractor may use x-rays, nerve scans and MRIs to diagnose a problem, especially after a car accident. The treatment, however, is hands on, literally. It is known as a manual therapy. Chiropractors perform adjustments where precision force is used with the hands to thrust joints into their proper position, relieving pressure off of nerves. For most, this results in a reduction or elimination in pain, as well as increased mobility.
If you like the sound of chiropractic care, you may be ready to schedule an appointment. First, you need to familiarize yourself with chiropractors in and around your area. But how?
A standard internet search is a good way to start. Look online using a search engine for the top rated ones in your area. You will easily find sources of social proof and reviews on sites like Google, RateMDs, YellowPages and more. There are often even reviews found on social media sites such as Facebook that you may find helpful.
When performing a standard internet search, search with your city and state/province. You will be linked to a number of websites. Some of those are directories, where many chiropractors are listed. These websites are similar to phone books; they provide you with just the names, address, and telephone numbers of local care providers. What you want to look for is chiropractor websites. In addition to getting the contact information, you should get in-depth information about the provider, such as specialties, background, and see pictures of the office.
Once on a chiropractor’s website, you should look for testimonials, either verbal or written, about the clinic. See if any of the stories relate to your condition. See if there are other people with a similar problem that have been helped.
An online business directory can also be useful. Many websites serve as online business directories. From Yahoo and Google, select “Local,” from the main heading. Enter in your city and state and the phrase “chiropractor.” You will see local listings for nearby chiropractors. Most only include your specific city, but you can expand the search to nearby communities. Some online business directories link to you to provider websites, if they exist. Many also enable ratings and reviews.
The most trustworthy source may just be recommendations from those you know. Since many North Americans, insurance providers, and employers are now embracing chiropractic care and realizing the many benefits, its popularity continues to increase. You may know someone who has seen or uses the services of a chiropractor. Ask those that you know, such as friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Ask for the name, address, and phone number. Be sure to ask for feedback too.
Call the office that you are interested in. Ask to see if they are a proactive clinic that uses some of the more advanced diagnostic equipment. Does the doctor simply feel for the problem with his hands, or does he use x-ray, nerve scanners, MRIs or other to help decipher the underlying cause of the problem before starting treatment.
In addition, ask them if they are equipped to adjust according to your special needs, if they exist. Are they wheelchair accessible? Do they offer low-force treatments for those that require it or prefer? Do they have any advanced education in pediatrics or pregnancy if this is for a mom or a child? Do they have any equipment specifically designed to help seniors who have difficulty maneuvering? There are many good questions to ask, before deciding if that chiropractor is right for you.
There are many ways to find chiropractic care providers in or around your community. Once you familiarize yourself with your options, the next step is to choose a care provider. When doing so, consider reputation, feedback, costs, and the wait until you can get a first appointment.