6 Things To Know Before Seeing A Chiropractor
Hello, this is your Brantford Chiropractor, Dr. Spenser Dougley, and I would like to teach you a few things before you visit a Chiropractor for the first time. Many people are worried or concerned about seeing a Chiropractor so I have designed a guide that can ease your worries as you figure out which Chiropractor is right for you. If you have any further questions about my guide, then please do not hesitate to email me at dr.spenser@
The following are 6 things you need to know BEFORE seeing a Chiropractor:
1. Chiropractors are required to examine you before treating you.
All Chiropractors are required to do a full and complete exam of your spine and other areas of complaint before treating you. This includes a detailed history, where the Chiropractor will ask questions about your pain or problem. After the history a physical exam should be done that will include procedures and tests designed to figure out where your pain is coming from. Bending forwards, backwards, side to side, raising your leg while you lie down and pushing on your spine are all examples of tests that a Chiropractor might perform. The initial exam should take about 30minutes.
After the exam is complete the Chiropractor should present to you what he or she has found and be able to tell you where your pain is coming from.
2. Some chiropractors will give incentives for signing up for long term care plans.
After your initial exam appointment the Chiropractor should present to you a reasonable treatment plan to help you recover. At this point some Chiropractors offer you incentives for signing up for long term care plans that include discounts on care if you sign up for a year and pay per month. Be very cautious when presented with something like this. The prudent Chiropractor will examine you along the way and make recommendations for further care if necessary at that point. It is very difficult to determine how much care someone will need that far down the road and you should only be presented with a care plan that includes the first 4-6 weeks, after which the Chiropractor should be re-evaluating you. This of course depends on the nature of your condition.
3. Some Chiropractors only spend 3-5 minutes with each patient.
Depending on their technique, some Chiropractors might only spend 3-5 minutes with each patient. This would allow enough time to adjust someone’s spine but does not leave enough time to talk to the patient about what has changed, or whether or not they have any new complaints or injuries that need to be addressed. Usually these offices have open floor plans or adjusting areas where you can see and hear the Chiropractor with another patient. Some people are okay with this but it does not allow for much privacy.
4. There are many different techniques that Chiropractors use.
Every Chiropractor practices slightly differently. There are hundreds of different techniques that a Chiropractor can use. The truth is that while some people might find relief with a certain technique, others might not. This is because everybody is unique and responds differently to Chiropractic care. The important thing is to select a Chiropractor whose technique is based on sound scientific evidence. If you are not sure then do a Google search for the technique and see what comes up. Also Youtube videos can help you understand what is involved with certain techniques and whether or not it would be suitable for you. Also be sure to select a Chiropractor who is trained in a variety of techniques. “One size fits all” does not work when it comes to your health.
5. Chiropractors are able to diagnose problems.
A Chiropractor is a doctor who is trained in much the same way as your medical doctor. The difference being what they use to help you get better. They are also able to diagnose you and you should fully understand what your diagnosis is and what to expect on your road to recovery. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health and your Chiropractor should also be your health teacher.
6. Chiropractors must maintain their license to practice and can have this taken away.
Chiropractors must meet certain standards for practice in order to maintain their license. This includes continually updating their education, maintaining adequate health records for their patients and billing insurance companies properly. Unfortunately not all Chiropractors uphold these standards and usually get caught. The licensing board may decide to suspend their license depending on what was done. A simple search on Google for the Chiropractors name will reveal if any discipline action has been taken against them, what it was for and what the result was. Always choose a Chiropractor who is in good standing and is fully licensed. Be sure to visit the following website to check: www.cco.on.ca/English/
Conclusion
Always do your research before choosing a Chiropractor. Not only is it important to choose someone who has good standards of practice, but also someone whose technique and style of practice suits your needs. Lastly, you can always find honest reviews on ratemds.com. This can be a valuable resource for finding out what the Chiropractor is actually like.
If you have any further questions about seeing a Chiropractor or are ready to get started with care, please call me at 519-304-5007.
Thank you,
Dr. Spenser Dougley DC, FR, FRCms
