How do you choose your Chiropractor?

So we have our Primary Doctor. We often have another type of Doctor; Dermatologist, Optometrist, Gynecologist, etc.

Do you know how to find a good Chiropractor? Do you know what Chiropractors do?
Let's look at the practice of Chiropractors:  According to the United States Department of Labor:

1. What do Chiropractors do?  Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients' ailments, such as back or neck pain.
2. Where do Chiropractors work?  Most chiropractors work in a solo or group chiropractic practice. A large number are self-employed.
3. What education does a Chiropractor have to have?  Becoming a chiropractor typically requires 7 to 8 years of post–high school study: 3 to 4 years of undergraduate education, followed by a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program. Chiropractors also must be licensed by their state.

Okay, we know what they do, where to find them and what they had to do to become a Chiropractor so how do we pick a good Chiropractor?  Is it the license on the wall?  Is it referral?  

According to Spine Health:  "When looking for a chiropractor, a good place to start is to ask your primary care physician or spine specialist for the names of chiropractors who appear competent and trustworthy. It also helps to ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Exercise caution however, because one person’s definition of a good chiropractor may be quite different from another person’s definition. In general, if multiple resources recommend the same chiropractor, chances are good that the chiropractor is reliable.  While recommendations can be valuable, it is also important to find a chiropractor who can meet an individual’s specific needs. Before starting treatment with a chiropractor, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an office consultation to find out more about how the chiropractor practices."

Sample Chiropractic Technique Questions (Also according to Spine Health)

Many of these questions about chiropractic care have no right or wrong answer, but having a better understanding of the chiropractic technique will allow the patient to better assess if there is a good fit, and/or will allow the patient to do further research about the specific chiropractic techniques.

1. Which chiropractic techniques does the chiropractor use and why?
2. Does the chiropractor use his or her hands or an instrument for the chiropractic manipulation?
3. Does the chiropractor employ deeper, joint-popping adjustment or a low-force adjustment?
4. How much experience does the chiropractor have treating similar types of problems as the patient’s? More experience that is relevant to treating the patient’s condition is better than little or no experience.

I want to stress on doing your homework BEFORE starting any treatment.  You want a Chiropractor who will LISTEN, UNDERSTAND AND WORK WITH YOU in your treatment. You want a Chiropractor that wants you HEALED not just treated.  I also want to stress you want to choose a Chiropractor who uses the latest techniques.  Medicine constantly changes and you want a Chiropractor who can and does change with it.  

When doing your homework research another alternative to a Chiropractor; an Orthopedic surgeon.  

Orthopaedics is the medical specialty that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal system. This complex system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves and allows you to move, work, and be active.

Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, orthopaedists now care for patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfeet to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to older people with arthritis. And anybody can break a bone.
Your Orthopaedic Surgeon:  Orthopaedic surgeons manage special problems of the musculoskeletal system. This involves:

• Diagnosis of your injury or disorder
• Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans
• Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function
• Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of diseases

While orthopaedic surgeons are familiar with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, many orthopaedists specialize in certain areas, such as the foot and ankle, spine, hip or knee. They may also choose to focus on specific fields like pediatrics, trauma or sports medicine. Some orthopaedic surgeons may specialize in several areas.  (This information about Orthopedic Surgeons is taken directly from OrthoInfo)

Please like Colorado Car Wreck | Your Auto Injury Clinic on Facebook or visit their website

1515 Fortino Blvd., Pueblo, CO  (Located inside Premier Back Rehabilitation)  

Dr. Jere Sutton of the Colorado Car Wreck is a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon