The 7-point Checklist For Your Chiropractor

In my over 20 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic in the Houston, Texas area, I've discovered many secrets to eliminating all different kinds of pain - headaches, migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, leg pain - you get the idea. And recently, through my affiliation with over 250 other clinics (via an organization called HealthSource Chiropractic), I have put together a checklist of the 7 Most Important Items that you need to be aware of. So print out this article and discuss the checklist with your Chiropractor - your living life without pain is dependant it! So let's start with the SEVEN POINT CHECKLIST:1) Get the History DoneEven if your pain is so bad that you just want to try anything, your Chiropractor must always take the time to perform a full set of muscular, orthopedic and neurological exams so that he/she knows precisely how best to treat you. In addition, full spinal x-rays and a surface EMG scan should be used to reveal hidden neurological or muscular issues. Since pain in one area is often related to problems elsewhere, a comprehensive investigation is the best start to eliminating your pain.2) Make Sure You Get The Whole StoryYour Chiropractor should present the results of his/her analysis and the basis for the recommended treatment program, explaining exactly where the issues are and how the proposed treatment program will help. This review should never take place on the same visit as your exam - otherwise, the Chiropractor would have no time to study your results and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific problem. There is no "one size fits all" solution!3) Force the Chiropractor to Tell You What Results are ExpectedFor any treatment program recommended, the Chiropractor should be able to project what results are expected - and when! Many Chiropractors will try to sidestep this, but if your Chiropractor is experienced, he or she should normally be able to explain what progress is expected, and within what time period. So put your Chiropractor on the spot! And while you're at it, ask for a printout of the treatment plan and costs in writing, along with the Chiropractor's financial policy so that there is no misunderstanding later.4) Make Sure You Can Ask Any Question at Any TimeAs you visit with your Chiropractor for treatments, it is very important that the Chiropractor knows how you are progressing or if there are any new issues that should be included in your plan. Your Chiropractor should therefore have a standard process for you to communicate progress or new developments to him or her as part of each visit. Additionally, the Chiropractor should also be available for 1-on-1 consultation at any time throughout your treatment program - and at no added cost - so that you can discuss your concerns, ask questions or share new information.5) Never Settle for Just The Spinal AdjustmentChiropractic manipulation alone may never make your pain go away. Every bone in your spine is attached to one or more muscles, so even if your Chiropractor can bring immediate pain relief by adjustment of your spine, those vertebrae may move right back into the wrong place as soon as you stand up, get in your car or go back home. Your treatment program should therefore include exercise and physical medicine to help your vertebrae keep the adjustment. This is the best way to eliminate your pain for good. 6) It's All About The Progress ReportIn order to assure that you get the the return that you expect on your chiropractic investment, your Chiropractor should complete an periodic examination once a month and/or every 12-15 visits, throughout your treatment program. Otherwise, how can you know if you are getting better? This exam should focus on your problem areas, but also include additional review of the rest of your spine as well. The exam should include a neuromuscular scan to highlight progress and show changes (good or bad) in other areas up and down your spine. As before, the Chiropractor should meet with you to show you these results and discuss progress as compared to the original and/or prior exam results.7) Get the TestimoniesEvery successful Chiropractor will have helped many others get better and stay out of pain. And for this, people are grateful (as you soon should be as well). Therefore, your Chiropractor should be able to provide you with glowing reference letters and/or testimonies of those - in similar situations as yours - who have already been helped. You can not judge a Chiropractor by an advertisement, the style of clinic, friendly clinic staff or even fancy equipment on hand. Only the actual results speak the truth! So be sure to ask for these.Please do NOT be shy about asking your Chiropractor about every one of these items - he or she should welcome the fact that you have done your research!And finally, if you discuss these simple 7 steps with your Chiropractor then you should have every confidence that he or she can help you get out of pain too - for good!