Chiropractors

There is a wide variety of thought and approach within the realm of chiropractic care. We believe this is one of the strengths of the profession, because it allows for ongoing, vigorous, and thought-provoking discussion within the ranks. It gives you, the consumer, greater choice. But it also gives you more responsibility. As with all your health care providers, you have to take charge, do your research, and ask questions.

If you have been referred to a chiropractor by a friend (as many people are), you might begin by talking with your friend about his or her experience of chiropractic care. But remember that your friend is probably not an expert and may have no idea about the technique, focus, or philosophical bent of the chiropractor. So no matter how glowing a recommendation your friend may give chiropractic, do your own research.

Luckily, unlike far too many conventional doctors who rarely seem to have time to talk with their patients, most chiropractors regard patient education as one of the most important parts of their job. Chiropractors are usually happy to answer your questions. Many allow a no-charge consultation for new patients, which offers you a face-to-face encounter with the doctor while giving you an idea about how the office is run. If you are investigating a number of chiropractors and want to make a general assessment before meeting a doctor face-to-face, a telephone interview may also be useful. But whether you're on the phone or in the chiropractor's office, feel free to use the Chiropractic Interview questions. They should take no more than about five minutes to answer, and will help you select a chiropractor who closely matches your needs and expectations.

We'd be cautious about a health care professional who is "too busy" to answer your questions. Of course, any practitioner may not be able to talk at the moment you call, but he or she should be available to return your call or to schedule a consultation with you. It is only through communication and education that doctors empower patients to take responsibility for their own well-being. And a doctor who respects your desire for information and wishes to create a relationship of communication and caring is the only kind of health care partner you want to have on your journey through life.

Chiropractor Interview: Suggested Questions

General information

Does your work focus on adjustment of the spine or do you offer a variety of modalities, like nutritional counseling, homeopathy, massage, and so on?
If other modalities are used, what are they, and why do you use them?
Is the care at your office focused on:
o Short-term pain or symptom relief?
o Medium-term rehabilitative care?
o Lifetime health maintenance care?
How do you work with other health care practitioners? Do you refer to conventional medical doctors if necessary? Do you have other alternative practitioners you will refer me to if I ask?

Technique-related information

Do you offer specific adjustments or more general mobilizing manipulations?
Does the primary approach/technique you use have a specific name?
Can you give me a brief description of your adjusting technique?
Is your primary adjusting technique low-force, medium-force, or high-force?

Symptom-related questions

The symptom(s) I have is (are)_________What is your experience in helping people with this problem?
Can you give me an estimate regarding the percentage of patients who have had this problem and have gotten better under your care?
How long can I expect it to be before I begin to feel better?
If my problem does not respond to chiropractic care in the expected time frame, what would be the next step I should take? Will you refer me to another practitioner and work with them?