A lot of people may be nervous about their first visit to a chiropractor. Seeing any type of specialist for health concerns can always cause a bit of stress and anxiety.
However, your chiropractor should always be willing and able to answer any questions you may have to help ease your mind. This article will take a closer look at what a chiropractor does and important questions to ask a chiropractor during a consultation.
What Does A Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors are highly-trained doctors who treat their patients in a deeply integrated and comprehensive way. They utilize and sometimes combine therapies that can benefit both physical and mental health. Chiropractic is a health care methodology that emphasizes the body's fundamental ability to repair itself without the use of drugs or surgery. It is this focus that has earned chiropractors a trusted place in the arena of pain management.
Chiropractors are almost always inclusive when it comes to traditional or conventional medical treatments. Chiropractors are trained to play a vital role as a member of your whole pain management team.
A good chiropractor looks at treatment options that will be the most effective for you and have the least amount of interventions in the way of surgeries or prescription medicines. They believe in the capacity of the body to heal itself and work to keep everything in precise balance. For chronic pain management, this means looking first at the foundational structure of the body, the skeleton, making sure it is aligned and properly functioning before moving forward.
Visiting A Chiropractor
If you are having difficulty managing back and neck pain and you are looking for alternatives to surgery and medication, visiting a chiropractor is a very sensible measure to take. Making the most of your consultation includes preparing and asking the right questions. Not only will you learn about the practices and techniques that might be right for your specific symptoms, but you can also develop a closer relationship with your practitioner and develop trust. An honest, trusting relationship means you will get honest treatment. Of course, answers about goals, costs, and duration will be foremost on your mind as well.
Helpful Questions To Ask Your Chiropractor
The following are some useful questions to ask your chiropractor to get the most out of the consultation:
Will Chiropractic Treatment Help My Symptoms?
Many people seek chiropractic care for neck pain, back pain, headaches, and other symptoms, and chiropractic treatment can benefit such patients. But prior to beginning, you should ask your chiropractor about your specific symptoms and what you can expect from treatment. A thorough consultation will help you manage your expectations while undergoing treatment, especially over the long term.
What Are The Estimated Costs?
You should always be aware of all costs and what tests, treatments, and procedures are (or are not) covered by your insurance before you agree to the chiropractor's recommended treatment plan. You should ask about specifics and get an estimate of the total cost of treatment.
In order to determine if the costs are competitive, think about checking with other clinics to compare costs. Most clinics will try to ascertain an estimation of your cost through your insurance coverage, your deductible, and the number of likely chiropractic visits per year by contacting the insurance company for you. You can also do this yourself in advance of your consultation.
Will You Take X-rays Or Other Imaging Tests?
Many chiropractors will recommend imaging tests to pinpoint spinal issues before they consider treatment options. If your chiropractor wants X-rays prior to beginning any type of treatment, resolve the cost issue with your insurance company or find out if you have to pay out of pocket.
What Chiropractic Techniques Do You Use?
At one time or another, most chiropractors will employ spine manipulation or mobilization techniques. Spinal manipulation includes the ‘high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. The chiropractor will use their hands to quickly and forcefully pop the neck or spine into alignment.
Spinal mobilization is a low-force technique to manipulate the joints of people and is a gentle but robust manual movement of the spinal joints.
Some chiropractors may prefer a more forceful approach while others may prefer a more gentle approach. Either technique can benefit your symptoms. If you are more comfortable with one or the other, discuss this preference with your chiropractor.
What Types Of Additional Therapies Or Services Do You Offer?
A good chiropractor will offer complementary therapies, such as massage therapy, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and even transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). If such services are not offered in your chiropractic clinic, ask if they have partnerships cooperating in these services.
Do You Have Experience Treating My Particular Condition And Using The Technique You Are Recommending?
If your chiropractor recommends any specific or unique chiropractic technique such as flexion-distraction, Thomson, Graston technique, or Activator Method Technique, or cold laser therapy, be sure to ask about their experience and training.
All chiropractors must be licensed and have passed National and State board examinations. However, each chiropractor is unique and their style and approach to patient treatment may vary greatly. They also may have extensive experience in some areas, where they have less experience in others
Can I Choose My Own Treatment Plan?
For example, you may prefer gentler spinal mobilization as opposed to more forceful spinal manipulation. A good consultation should reveal preferences that both the patient and the chiropractor can agree on.
How Many Times Will I Need To Come To The Clinic?
Usually, a single visit to a chiropractor will not cure you. Chiropractic adjustments generally need to be performed on an ongoing basis to obtain results. However, the idea is to attain the most favorable outcome in the shortest time frame possible. You should ask your chiropractor approximately how many appointments it may take to improve your condition.
What Can I Do Personally To Achieve The Best Results?
A good chiropractor will design a thorough and competent plan personalized to your individual needs. This plan will frequently include pain management strategies that are achieved through the use of manual therapies, specialized physical therapy sessions, nutritional regimens, soft-tissue therapies, special exercises, et al. Accordingly, your active participation and diligence by following your chiropractor’s recommendation is vital to the fastest and fullest recovery. Be sure to ask for a detailed outline of the recommended course of action.
How Is The Billing For My Treatment Handled?
Although burdensome, you may need to comply by submitting your own claims. In many cases, insurance will only cover certain therapies and procedures. Sometimes a clinic will offer a discount for cash payments. Ask how they handle costs that are not covered by your insurance.
What If Chiropractic Care Doesn't Succeed? Will I Need To See A Different Practitioner Or Spine Specialist?
If your symptoms do not improve after some time under the chiropractor's care, you will likely need to see a spine specialist. Ask if your chiropractor recognizes this as an eventuality and if they agree? At what point during ongoing treatment will they conclude that it is time to refer you to a specialist? This critical decision to refer you to another healthcare professional for further tests and/or treatment options is best agreed upon mutually between you and your chiropractor. It is important to always remember that this decision can be made at any point during the course of treatment.
Schedule A Consultation
Being well-prepared with your questions and concerns can go a long way when you are visiting a chiropractor for the first consultation. This can ensure that your doctor-patient relationship is strong and secure. These practical questions can set you off in the right direction for chiropractic care and give you peace of mind that you did your due diligence.
DOCS4PI can help people in Florida find the right chiropractor for their needs. If you have been injured and need the aid of personal injury services, we are he to help. Contact us today at (888) 362-7474 to schedule a chiropractic consultation right away.
