When many people think of a chiropractor, they imagine getting their back cracked by a professional. There is actually so much more to chiropractic care than traditional spinal adjustments. In fact, spinal adjustments are one type of technique and approach to treatment and care with a chiropractor. Some chiropractors may perform chiropractic adjustments by hand, while others may use instruments. There are so many options out there when you search for “best chiropractor near me” and sometimes the choices can seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips for finding the best chiropractor near you.
Consider Your Reasons for Chiropractic Care
There are so many reasons why you might be looking for the best chiropractor near you. You may have recently sustained car accident injuries, or perhaps the transition to working from home has triggered a lot of neck and back pain. It helps to understand your reason for seeking out chiropractic care because many chiropractors also have areas of specialty, like car accident chiropractors. Looking up chiropractor options by specialty can be one way of narrowing down your choices so you can find the best chiropractor for you.
You may also be looking for certain treatment styles or techniques from a chiropractor, in which case it helps to do a bit more research about chiropractors near you. Perhaps you want a chiropractor who specializes in manual chiropractic adjustments or therapeutic massage. Or you might want to find a chiropractor that is committed to incorporating healthy habits and lifestyle changes along with treating your injury or ailment. Reading testimonials from current and former chiropractor clients can also help give you a better picture of that chiropractor’s style and technique.
Get Referrals from People You Trust
Talk to family and friends about chiropractors they have visited and appreciated. Many people have relied on chiropractic care at some point in their life, and you might be surprised to find just how many people you know have a chiropractor they recommend. You want to find a chiropractor who is the best fit for you and what you are looking for in your chiropractic experience. People who you trust and who know you may also be able to provide you with their initial preferences and interests for the type of chiropractor they were looking for and how that may have differed from their actual experience.
Set Up a Consultation with a Chiropractor
You might want to first schedule a consultation to learn more about a chiropractor, share information about your injury or ailment, and have them talk you through their treatment style. In order to make a well-informed decision, a consultation can be a stress-free way to find out more about whether or not this chiropractor is the best fit for your needs. Here are a few questions you might consider during an initial consultation with a chiropractor:
- What will the treatment be like?
- How often would you recommend I come in for treatment?
- How long do you think the treatment will take?
- Will an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging tools be necessary?
These types of questions can help you get a clearer picture of what to expect with your chiropractic experience from start to finish. Meeting a potential chiropractor in person is also a great way to find out if you feel comfortable with them and with sharing your personal and medical information.
What Chiropractors Can Treat
Chiropractors are most commonly associated with back and neck pain, though they can actually treat more than just spinal issues. In fact, chiropractors can treat all kinds of issues, injuries, and diseases that affect your bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. Chiropractors use a natural, non-invasive approach to all types of treatment and do not utilize any types of medications or surgical interventions. Instead, chiropractors focus on helping your body heal while also improving your overall functioning and health. You don’t have to be in pain or have a serious injury to meet with a chiropractor. Other examples of what chiropractors can treat include headaches, digestive issues, blood pressure issues, ear infections, and so much more.
Consider Credentials and Other Must-Haves
Chiropractic care sometimes has a reputation for being non-scientific, but this is far from the truth. Chiropractors go through undergraduate degrees before going on to four-year graduate programs, just like a medical doctor. They take recurring exams and have ongoing education requirements. If you are researching a chiropractor, you should be able to easily find these credentials and information on their education. Always be sure a chiropractor is properly trained before visiting them.
There may be additional criteria that is important to you, along with specialties. Some people prefer a male or female chiropractor for their own comfort. It’s also become common to want a chiropractor who offers a telehealth component now, and you will of course want to check for insurance compatibility. You may have a small checklist of items that matter to you that you can reference.
Interview Different Providers
When you identify some contenders for your chiropractor, call the office to see if they are taking new patients and if they take your insurance. If yes, you can schedule initial consultations and treat them like interviews. You’ll likely need to share some medical history and information about your goals so the chiropractor can suggest a course of action. You can then ask questions that go deeper than, “why are you the best chiropractor near me?” These can be about their technique, experience, costs, or anything else important to you.
Chiropractors do these consultations every day, so do not be afraid to use their time in this way. It saves time in the long run by making sure you don’t choose a chiropractor who does not fit your needs.
Look for Comprehensive Approaches
Chances are you are looking for a chiropractor for a specific reason, and they can treat many things. But it is always good to know that a medical provider is closely integrated with other providers, inside their field and outside. A good sign for a chiropractor is their relationship with physical therapists, pain management specialists, neurologists, orthopedists, and surgeons. Trust among these providers likely means the chiropractor is respected and also gives you a network to access if other problems occur during your treatment.
At AICA Chiropractic, our chiropractors are often the first provider you visit, but they don’t have to be the last. Our locations all have chiropractors onsite along with physical therapists, neurologists, radiologists, and other specialists, allowing us to provide a comprehensive approach to care and treatment. These experts work together to address the root cause of any pain or concerns seamlessly. When you make an appointment with AICA Orthopedics, you are gaining access to a network of specialists who share your goals.
Why Chiropractic Care Works
The central nervous system is housed in your brain and spinal cord and is responsible for communicating to the rest of your body. Whenever there is a misalignment in your spine, it can disrupt these important messages and negatively affect your body from functioning at its best. Our chiropractors at AICA Orthopedics utilize an individualized approach to comprehensive chiropractic care for everyone so you can experience holistic healing and healthy functioning. Visit our website to learn more about all of our locations across metro Atlanta and find the best chiropractor near you!
