Instead of being passive throughout your health care journey, it is important to be proactive. You know your body better than anyone else, so putting your health solely in the hands of a doctor is not the best decision. Many people show up to appointments without any agenda, expecting their physician to call all the shots, but we are here to tell you that there is a better route. If you find yourself in the office of a chiropractor, make sure you have a list of questions to ask. Here are some good questions to get you started:
1. Have you treated my condition before and are you an expert in this particular field?
Not all chiropractors are the same. Some focus specifically on certain issues, so make sure you ask your potential chiropractor about whether they have worked with your concerns before. If they have not, it is a good idea to find someone who has.
2. Will I need to seek medical care from anyone in addition to you?
Sometimes, chiropractors will recommend seeking medical help from other doctors in addition to the chiropractic work they do. You may need additional treatment from a massage therapist or an acupuncturist. You may even need some medical equipment at home to help speed up your healing process. It is important to ask about this in the beginning in order to know the financial and time investment you are about to dive into.
3. How can your practice help me?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is an important question. Hopefully, the chiropractor will explain this to you without you having to ask, but if they do not, ask them. Your chiropractor should be able to tell you the treatment plan as well as the financial costs during your first consultation. You should feel excited and encouraged when you leave the chiropractor’s office with a new knowledge of how they will be able to help you.
4. What does the time frame look like?
Since most of us are very busy people, it is important for us to know how much time we will be investing. We recommend asking your chiropractor how long each session will take, and also how many sessions you will need for recovery. It is best to gather as much information as you can in the beginning so that there are no surprises in the process.
5. What kind of technology do you use?
These days, chiropractors use a lot more than just their hands to treat their patients. Many chiropractors are equipped with things like shockwave therapy, electromagnetic field therapy, and more to maximize your time in their office. Make sure to ask about these things so that you can decide what you are comfortable using.
Do not make the mistake of walking into your appointment without a list of questions and concerns. Your health is your responsibility, so do not take it lightly. Gather all the information you can before you commit to seeing a particular chiropractor. You will be glad you did!
