Chiropractor Report

5 Crucial Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Chiropractor

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There are a few reasons why people are making the decision to see a chiropractor rather than a regular medical doctor. One of the main reasons is the fact that chiropractors use natural methods that bring much-needed relief with no medicines or needles.

One of the most common and obvious reasons for calling on chiropractors is general back pain. When your back aches, it cannot be ignored. Taking pain medication will mask the pain for a while, but never really gets rid of it completely.

Therefore, you may want to get treated by a chiropractor to get to the root of the problem. But it must be the right chiropractor if you want real results.

If you are looking for alternative treatment for back problems or a variety of other conditions, a chiropractor is a good choice. They provide alternative treatment for those who suffer from back, neck, and spine problems.

Some of them even run practices that are devoted to the complete overall health of their patients.

To find the right chiropractor, there are some simple steps that you can take to dramatically improve your chances of having a good experience.

With chiropractic services becoming more and more popular these days, there have been many new chiropractic offices springing up to help out with the demand. This makes finding a chiropractor a little more difficult because there are so many to choose from.

Some people head straight for a directory when looking for a chiropractor; such as the yellow pages, their insurance provider list, or an online search engine. However, there are other steps you should take to determine whether a given chiropractor is going to be a good choice for you.

Don’t choose the first one you talk to. Choosing a chiropractor is almost as important as choosing a primary care physician. Different chiropractors have different methods of accomplishing similar tasks. If you choose one who uses a method you don't like, you could be scared away from chiropractic care for the rest of your life.

All of that can be eliminated if you do your due diligence and find a chiropractor that’s right for you.

1. Check Their Credentials and Specializations

Verify that the chiropractor you choose has a valid license with no restrictions in your state. This may seem like a no brainer, but if you follow any profession that requires licensure, you will find many incidents of people claiming to be something they are not.

Licensed chiropractors go through a minimum of six years of training and are required to meet higher standards. This works in your favor because they are capable of providing you with much better care than unlicensed professionals.

They are usually well-qualified and hold some specializations in their field. In addition, they are constantly learning new and improved techniques; making them even more qualified to handle your chiropractic needs.

Check with your state’s Board of Chiropractic examiners to see if they’re licensed.

Many licensed chiropractors also have specialized training in certain areas of chiropractic care. They are well-educated and properly trained to perform a much wider range of specialty treatments such as:

• Chiropractic Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic Clinical Nutrition
• Chiropractic Diagnosis and Management of Internal Disorders
• Chiropractic Orthopedics
• Chiropractic Clinical Neurology

• Chiropractic Sports Physician
• Acupuncture
• Anti-Aging
• Homeopathy
• Pain Management
• Pediatrics

2. Choose a Chiropractor in a Convenient Location

You should not pick a chiropractor based SOLELY on convenience. However, if your new chiropractor maps out a care plan and strategy for your health, it will work best if you can easily and quickly get to their office.

While you might receive a reduction in the amount of pain with just one visit, many chiropractic treatments require frequent visits – some as regular as several times per week. In most cases the root cause of pain has gone undetected for a long time. It is unrealistic to expect a problem that took years to develop can be completely corrected in just one session.

So in order to ensure that you receive the proper treatments regularly, it’s much easier to find a chiropractor that is in close proximity to your home or job.

3. Get Recommendations from Friends and Family

There is nothing better than a personal recommendation from a friend or family member when looking for a chiropractor. People love to share with other people their good fortune of finding an awesome chiropractor so you might as well reap the benefits.

• Ask them about things like prices, personality, availability, convenience, satisfaction, and so forth.
• Ask them about other chiropractors they've seen, who they may not have enjoyed as much.
• If they really like a certain chiropractor, ask them why they like them so much.
• If they don’t like a certain chiropractor, ask them why.

Basically, you want to gather as much information about potential chiropractors as you can. Then, compile a short list of good ones before moving on to the next step.

You can also search the web for any information on the chiropractors you are considering. Just do a Google search and look for any review sites or any other information that you can find.

Just remember… there are chiropractors out there that post fake, bad reviews on other chiropractors in an attempt to drive more business their way. So make sure you do a thorough search if you come across a bad review.

4. Have an Understanding of the Their Treatment Style

Probably the most important consideration when choosing a chiropractor is the treatment methods he or she uses. The main treatment procedure that sets chiropractors apart from other health care providers is the "spinal adjustment", also called "spinal manipulation", and this can be performed through many different methods.

Some chiropractic techniques are somewhat forceful and produce cracking noises from the joints, while other techniques are very gentle and may be performed with an instrument that "taps" lightly on the joints.

There are many different types of techniques a chiropractor can utilize when adjusting a patient.

• Ask what methods and machines they use to align the spine. Some chiropractors have a table that you lie down on and they push on your back. Other doctors place their arms around your body and squeeze to get your spine to align. Depending on your personality or condition, you may prefer one method over the other.
• Also ask about the type of diagnostic machinery they use. Some chiropractors have digital temperature guns while others have hand held temperature gauges.
• Ask specifically how they adjust the neck. This answer could make or break your chiropractic experience. For some people, the neck is an area of vulnerability. They would rather have surgery than have their neck twisted and cracked by another person. Some chiropractors do just that, twist the neck forcefully.

Be sure to ask any chiropractor you speak to about their methods so you know exactly what to expect if you choose to hire them.

5. Ask for a Free No-obligation Consultation.

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to about three different chiropractors, ask each one if you can come in for a free no-obligation consultation.

The answer to this question will speak volumes about the chiropractors you are considering. Let's face it… everyone's time is extremely valuable.

However, you deserve a chiropractor who cares about your needs.

Anyone who won't take a few minutes of your time to see if they can help you when you are considering using their service is not worth your money.

If you’re not feeling up to actually visiting the office, phone consultations will do the trick.

Just be sure to respect their time during the consultation. Be prepared with a small list of questions and keep the conversation short.

There are a few things you should take note of during your consultation:

• Does the chiropractor have a pleasant tone?
• Do you feel relaxed in talking with him/her?
• Is the staff pleasant and professional?
• Are they giving you adequate answers to your questions?
• Are they patient?

As a word of warning:

* Avoid a chiropractor who tries to pressure you or requires you to sign up for a long-term treatment plan. As stated earlier, chiropractic care can take time. However it is always your choice as to the type of treatment you want to get. So the chiropractor you choose should always respect your decision.

* Avoid a chiropractor who discourages you from seeking and using other alternative and preventative treatments such as acupuncture or massage therapy. Your chiropractor should be open to other treatments that can help to improve your condition.

* Avoid a chiropractor who uses scare tactics to convince you to commit to a treatment plan. There are some who will tell you that you need the longest and most expensive treatment they offer when you really don’t.

Speaking of “expensive,” be sure to discuss the different payment options that they offer to ensure you will be able to comply with their terms. Nothing is more discouraging than finally finding a chiropractor that you like only to find out that they don’t accept your insurance or that their prices are out of your range.

In conclusion, before you choose a chiropractor, it is strongly suggested that you think about your overall goal of treatment and find a chiropractor who fits that style.

If you simply want a doctor who is willing to provide "patch" care to allow you to feel better temporarily, then find him or her. Neither approach is right or wrong; it just depends on your needs and desires.

Whatever you do, just be sure to check their credentials, ask for recommendations from friends and family, request a consultation with the chiropractor, and get clarification on their pricing and insurance requirements.

Also, before you jump in, really decide whether you are dedicated enough to invest the necessary time and money to do long-term corrective and preventive care.

No matter the reason that you need to visit a chiropractor, be comfortable with your choice. Follow the simple steps outlined in this guide and you should be able to find the right chiropractor in no time.

At _______________, our number one goal is to help our clients first understand their chiropractic needs and then help guide them on the path to a pain-free life.

Contact us at __________________ to start your journey!

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Email #1: 4 Remedies for Back Pain Relief

We hope you enjoyed your free e-book, 5 Crucial Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Chiropractor!

Do you know one thing that most people suffer from and don’t even get checked out because they think it’s minor?

It’s one of the most agonizing annoyances you could ever experience – an aching back.

No matter if you lie down, sit down, squat, bend over, the pain just won’t go away!

According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is the second most common neurological disorder in the United States -- only headache is more common.

Back pain has many causes, from muscle strain to more serious conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylosisthesis, osteoporosis, or a tumor.

So if you are suffering from chronic back pain, it's important to seek medical attention before it gets out of control.

There are some simple medical remedies that relieve back pain no matter what is causing it.

1. Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work? According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain results from blocked energy along energy pathways of the body, which are unblocked when acupuncture needles are inserted along these invisible pathways.

A scientific explanation is that acupuncture releases natural pain-relieving opioids, sends signals that calm the sympathetic nervous system, and releases neurochemicals and hormones.

An acupuncture treatment generally costs between $60 and $120, is tax-deductible (it's considered a medical expense), and is covered by some insurance plans.

2. Capsaicin Cream

Although you may not have heard of capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) before, if you've ever felt a burn in your mouth after eating a chili pepper, you know exactly what capsaicin does.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers.

When it is applied to the skin, capsaicin has been found to deplete substance P--a neurochemical that transmits pain--causing an analgesic effect to ease pain.

3) Vitamin D

Chronic muscle pain can be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is found in fish with small bones, fortified milk and cereal, and exposure to sunlight. So if you’re suffering from back pain, you may want to stock up on these foods and get some sun.

4) Music Therapy

Music therapy is a low-cost natural therapy that has been found to reduce the disability, anxiety, and depression associated with chronic pain.

A study evaluated the influence of music therapy in hospitalized patients with chronic back pain. Researchers randomized 65 patients to receive, on alternate months, physical therapy plus 4 music therapy sessions or physical therapy alone.

Music therapy significantly reduced disability, anxiety, and depression. Music had an immediate effect on reducing pain, although the results were not statistically significant.

If you are experiencing back pain, we can help you figure out what’s causing it and provide you with some relief.

Give us a call at ______________ for a free consultation.

Email #2: Is Sitting Too Much Hurting Your Back?

Does sitting for long periods of time create pain in your back? Do you feel stiff or sore when you get up? Does your back feel tight? How about tension in your neck and shoulders?

It’s a well-known fact that sitting down is hard on our backs. But it’s hard to avoid it when most of us sit all day in front of our computers – both at work and at home.

The following tips will help you move a bit more as well as find ways to sit more comfortably. Choose at least one of them to try on a daily basis if you want to experience some relief in your back pain.

1. Take short breaks. Set an alarm on your computer, PDA, etc. to go on a break every 30 minutes. Take at least 10 minutes to stand, stretch, and/or walk.

2. Stand while you work. What tasks could you do while standing? Some ideas: talking on the phone, reading your mail, or working on the computer. Choose just one on your list and make a new rule that you'll only do it while standing.

3. Sit on an exercise ball or cushion. If you can get away with it, try sitting on an exercise ball for a few minutes several times throughout the day. You can roll around on it while sitting to help stretch the back and you'll be forced to avoid slumping to stay on the ball.

In addition to sitting all day, most of us are guilty of bad posture, which is another big contributor to back pain.

If you're like me, you start your day with good posture but gradually end up slumping, sprawling or hunching when your body gets tired.

Monitoring posture can be a lot of work, but try to remain conscious of your posture and avoid slumping at all times to build a strong back.

At _____________, we teach our patients some of the best techniques that they can practice daily to ease back pain.

If you are looking for some relief, give us a call at ___________.

Email #3: Why Acute Low Back Pain Requires Early Treatment

If you’re not careful, an acute back or neck injury could lead to a disability. Inflammation and subsequent potential scar tissue development can result in decreased flexibility (called range of motion), pain, muscle spasm and trigger points.

Anti-inflammatory pain medication and physical therapy can prevent acute back pain from turning into chronic back pain.

When left untreated, acute back pain can become a chronic condition that causes permanent changes in your nervous system. For instance, certain levels can leave you feeling excruciating pain even if you are only getting a simple pat on the back.

Early treatment can prevent permanent changes in the way your nervous system processes pain and other felt sensations.

Here at ______________, we will help you discover what is causing discomfort in your back and recommend the best route of treatment.

Contact us at _______________to schedule your free consultation.

Email #4: Could Chiropractic Treatments Be Better For Your Wallet?

Recent studies have shown chiropractic treatment to be more cost-effective than regular medical treatment when it comes to chronic lower back pain.

Although both treatment types cost about the same, the chiropractic care resulted in better outcomes for patients. These better outcomes led to less future treatments, which resulted in less money spent overall. Not only were the treatments less in cost, but they also provided the best results to patients.

These outcomes were measured in terms of:

• pain relief
• satisfaction with care
• disability scores

One study was conducted on 2780 patients who made their own choice to see either a chiropractor or a medical doctor for their pain. The patients were studied both 3 months and 1 year after their first visit to their chosen doctor.

The medical doctor’s patients were given:

• prescription drugs
• an exercise program
• self-care advice
• a referral to physical therapy, as necessary (25% of patients).

The chiropractor's patients were given:

• spinal manipulation
• physical therapy modalities
• exercise
• patient education.

The study found that although office visit costs were higher for chiropractic treatment, total costs of chiropractic care per patient were 16% lower than for medical care. It also revealed that acute care patients who sought out a chiropractor enjoyed healthier physical outcomes than acute care patients of medical doctors.

If you’re wondering which way you should go, contact us at ______________ to set up a free consultation. We will get help you get started down the right path.

Email #5: What Type of Doctor Should You See for Neck and Back Pain?

When some people suffer from a nagging back problem, the first person they call is their family doctor. It’s true that family doctors can treat a range of health problems including back and neck pain.

However, if you have a serious problem, your doctor will probably order diagnostic tests, refer you to a specialist, or just prescribe some medication.

Studies show that family doctors do not easily adapt their practices to new back pain treatments. It may be helpful to take a pro-active approach with your doctor when determining the best form of treatment, by researching first and asking pointed questions.

Here are 5 other options you have for treating neck and back pain:

Chiropractors:

Chiropractic treatment is a hands-on, alternative medicine discipline that views and treats health through the effect of spinal anatomy on the functioning of the body. Chiropractors consider their work a healing art and science which aims to remove interruptions to the flow of nerve transmission.

Emergency Room Visits:

If your neck and back pain is a result of an accident – such as a car accident – you should head straight to the emergency room. If left untreated, serious neck and back injuries could result in more serious permanent damage.

It is also time to go to the emergency room if you experience problems with bowel or bladder functions, or if your legs grow progressively weaker. These are the symptoms of cauda equine syndrome, one of the few life-threatening back problems.

Rheumatologists:

A rheumatologist will treat arthritis and musculoskeletal problems, including back and neck problems such as spinal stenosis, and spinal arthritis. Rheumatologists also treat diseases that are related to back pain such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and other forms of back pain.

Neurosurgeons:

A neurosurgeon specializes in diseases and conditions of the central nervous system, and the nerves that branch out from the spine. A neurosurgeon might perform surgery on the brain, the spinal cord or on the spine itself. While neurosurgeons do provide non-surgical management of back pain, you may be referred to one after exhausting all your conservative care options.

Osteopaths:

Osteopathy is a branch of medicine developed by Andrew Taylor Still. The D.O., or Osteopath, uses her or his hands to diagnose and treat illness based on imbalances present in the musculoskeletal system.

Here at ______________, we will help you discover what is causing discomfort in your back and recommend the best route of treatment.

Contact us at _______________to schedule your free consultation.