Why a Chiropractor

The modern chiropractor is the only doctorate level healthpractitioner in the world that is drug and surgery free. Having a very similarin training to the Medical Doctor, the Chiropractic Doctor has about ten timesmore nutrition training, along with more radiology and diagnostictraining. This makes achiropractor a great choice for someone who prefers a drug-free approach.

Factor 1:Technique or services offered

About 70% of the chiropractors in the world use”Diversified” which is a collection of various spinal manipulations,generally using “motion palpation” do determine when and when tomanipulate the spine. Gonstead is another manipulative method, but isconsidered to be more precise and gentle.

There are techniques that focus on the upper cervical (neck)region, like “Atlas Orthogonal”, “Blair”,”Grostic” and NUCCA. Upper cervical practitioners are rare, lowerforce, and considered to be excellent.

There are other methods that focus on the opposite end ofthe spine, the sacrum and the pelvis; “Logan Basic” is an excellentexample.

“Activator”, “Torque Release”,”Pro-Adjustor”, and Toftness are techniques that use a mechanicaldevice between the practitioner and patient, and are another lower forcealternative.

In my opinion, the crme de la crme of chiropractic is”Network Spinal Analysis”, originally networking ideas from the majortechnique branches together into a scientific whole, it now has grown beyondthat, and is considered to be one of the leading body-mind modalities ever.Patients love the “self-correcting” nature of the work that happensduring and after adjustments, sometimes for weeks after. A three-year study of more than 2800patients found benefits beyond reduced pain, eczema, and allergies; patientsreported reduced stress in all areas of their life, and more satisfaction intheir relationships of all kinds.See the Association for Network Care for more at

Factor 2:Ongoing Training

You want achiropractor who continues to learn and develop her professional skills. The better chiropractors will be proudto share all the extra training they have had after completing their doctorate.

Factor 3:Personal Connection

I urge you to try out various chiropractors and see how youlike them in person. Keep in mind that the falsely cheerful persona that makesa good impression at first may be aggravating after the first few visits. Youdon’t need to be buddies with your chiropractor, but you do need to haveconfidence in their clinical skills, honesty, and sincerity.

Factor 4:Convenience

If your spine really needs work, it may be better to havethe second best chiropractor who is a few blocks away rather than your firstchoice that is a two hour drive away.Their office hours, flexibility, and ability to get you in and out inshort order are other considerations.

Factor 5: Cost

This can beaffected by their participation in your HMO, how much they charge, and whatthey recommend in terms of a care plan. Do be aware that there may be a falseeconomy with the Doctor who only recommends care until your symptoms arebetter. My father-in-law saw one of those chiropractors for thirty years. Hewould go see him for two or three visits, until he was “better” andtold him to come back when his symptoms flared again.

When I took X-rays of his spine at age 70, there were bonespurs and degeneration throughout.This could have easily been prevented, had his chiropractor cared to domore than just get him out of his symptoms. I believe my father-in-law’schiropractor failed him by not doing the corrective care that he needed, andnow it is too late. This is what I mean by false economy.

In our culture of instant gratification, it is certainlyeasier to swallow small amounts of chiropractic with a symptomaticorientation. However, achiropractor tells you that you need more care than you would like may be themore honest chiropractor.

On the other hand, you don’t necessarily want to go see achiropractor that sells you and everyone else who walks into their office ayear of care with the alacrity of an auto finance manager selling you anextended warranty.

Conclusion

Taking these five factors into account, I wish you greatresults in finding the right chiropractor for you. Please let me know how itworks out for you.