Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
Before you start treatment with a chiropractor, it’s important to ask some key questions. This will help you determine whether the chiropractor is right for you and if they are able to provide the level of care you need. Here are 7 questions you should ask your potential chiropractor before starting treatment.
1. WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
A chiropractor should have completed their Doctor of Chiropractic studies, be board-certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and hold a state license to practice. These ensure you are seeing a qualified and properly educated and vetted professional.
2. WILL CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE IMPROVE MY CONDITION?
Chiropractic treatment can be very effective in relieving back and neck pain, arthritis pain, sciatica pain, stress and tension, and much more. It can even help improve posture and prevent sports injuries. While it is extremely versatile, it is always best to check with the doctor if your condition can indeed be improved with chiropractic treatment.
3. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO TREATMENT?
Chiropractors use a variety of different techniques, so it’s important to find out what approach or combination of approaches your potential practitioner uses. Some common techniques include spinal manipulation, mobilization, dry needling, and massage. Ask about how they would treat your specific condition or injury and why they think this is the best approach for your specific condition.
4. HOW LONG WILL EACH SESSION TAKE AND HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TREATMENTS?
This will vary depending on each individual case, but it’s still worth asking about general timelines for improvement, as well as the average session length and treatment frequency requirements upfront. This way, there are no surprises later on down the road, financially or timewise.
5. WHAT TYPE OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DO I NEED?
Some practitioners may recommend getting X-rays done before starting treatment to rule out certain conditions and to plan your treatment properly. Some conditions may not be suitable for chiropractic care. X-rays are necessary when you haven’t been diagnosed by another doctor through diagnostic imaging.
6. ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Patients are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment if they have all the information they should know about their condition and treatment. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive, but there are risks that should be discussed, depending on the condition being treated and methods used.
7. HOW MUCH DOES THE TREATMENT COST?
Fees charged by chiropractors can vary greatly, but it is always best to ask about estimated costs upfront, so there won’t be any surprises later on. In a lot of cases, health insurance covers 50-100% of the cost of chiropractic care, but if your health insurance does not cover it, you will be paying out-of-pocket.
Schedule a consultation with a chiropractor to ask these questions, and ultimately, decide if the treatment and doctor are right for you.
EXPERIENCED CHIROPRACTOR IN WOOSTER, OH
Dr. Katie Dossi is our board-certified chiropractor at Healthpoint, Wooster Community Hospital’s outpatient wellness facility. Dr. Dossi specializes in the treatment of headaches, neck and back pain, sciatica, spinal and extremity adjustments, and sports injuries. She is more than happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dossi, call our office today at (330) 202-2225 or use our convenient online request form.