Nearly one-third of Americans suffer from neck or back pain.

It can be hard to function with chronic pain, so many people turn to chiropractors for relief. Every year, chiropractors in the US treat over 35 million children and adults.

Fortunately, most health insurance plans include chiropractic services. But you want a local chiropractor who specializes in treating people with your specific issue.

Let’s look at what steps you need to take to find the best chiropractor in your area!

Ask for Recommendations To Find A Local Chiropractor

Much like you would when trying to find a dentist, you should consult with people you know before doing anything else.

Begin by asking either your physical therapist or primary care physician. If you attend a support group, seek advice from your peers.

Next, ask your family and friends if they have any experiences with a local chiropractor. Put together a short list of their recommendations. If multiple friends or family members recommend the same practitioner, you may want to circle their name.

Lastly, you should also reach out to your insurance provider. They can give you a list of chiropractors covered by your plan.

Do Online Research

Different chiropractors focus on different conditions. For example, Full Spectrum Chiropractic specializes in treating car accident injuries. Check each chiropractor’s website for more information about their treatments.

It’s also important to see what other people have to say about a local chiropractor. When searching for reviews for chiropractic clinics, start with Yelp.com. Since it’s a popular site, you’ll likely find plenty of customer reviews.

Here are a handful of other websites you may find useful during your search:

• zocdoc.com
• angieslist.com
• ratemds.com
• healthgrades.com

Another excellent place to look is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. There, you can not only see reviews and complaints but also how long a chiropractor has been in business.

Make Sure They’re Qualified

Chiropractors in the US must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.

Most practitioners list their degrees on their website. Some may also include any additional certifications that they’ve obtained over the years.

Make sure they attended a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Also, steer clear of any chiropractor who is unwilling to share this type of information.

Finally, check to see if there have ever been any disciplinary actions filed against them. To find this out, visit your state’s website and look at the Chiropractic Regulation & Licensing Board.

Interview Them

At this point, you should narrow your list down to two or three local options.

Ask the chiropractors for consultations or phone interviews. This will help you determine whether you’re comfortable with them.

Put together a list of questions you can refer back to during the interview. Begin by asking a few general questions. But make sure you eventually dive into a discussion about fees and technique as well.

General Questions

First, you want to figure out the basics. Here are a few good questions to start with:

• How many years of experience do you have?
• Do you have a post-graduate specialty?
• Do you have experience treating issues similar to mine?
• How long is the average wait time?

When listening to the answers, make sure the chiropractor provides in-depth, relevant answers. This demonstrates that they’re genuinely interested in what you have to say. Also, make sure they’re polite and respectful.

Questions About Fees

You should also learn more about their payment plans and fees. Try the following questions:

• How much does the initial consultation cost?
• Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
• Do you offer any discounts?

If they charge for a consultation, look elsewhere. You’ll have no issues finding a local chiropractor who doesn’t charge for the first visit.

Questions Related to Technique

Before committing to any practitioner, you should aim to find out more about their technique. This will further help you determine whether they’re a good fit for you.

Consider asking the following questions:

• Which techniques do you employ?
• Do you rely more on your hands or instruments?
• Can you provide a written version of the treatment plan?

Prioritize chiropractors who can provide their treatment plans in writing. By getting everything in written form, you can do some research about their technique on your own.

Look out for Major Warning Signs

Chiropractic care is generally a safe treatment, and most chiropractors have good intentions. But there are plenty of shady practitioners out there. These chiropractors rely on dishonesty to fool their clients, and they’re often frowned upon by their peers.

Here are a few of the biggest red flags you should keep in mind when searching for a trusted local chiropractor.

Outrageous Claims

Avoid a chiropractor who claims they can cure asthma or any other similar ailment. This typically signals a lack of integrity.

Another one you may run into is a chiropractor who suggests they have a secret technique that nobody has ever heard about. Over-the-top claims similar to this should immediately set off some alarms.

Long-Term Treatment Plans

Some chiropractors may recommend year-long treatment plans with several visits per week. Be very cautious before committing to an arrangement like this.

Also, consider other options if a practitioner suggests a treatment with no end in sight. A good treatment plan consists of a detailed timeline with clearly defined goals.

Unreasonable Prepayment Requests

It’s a good idea to stay away from chiropractors who ask for a ridiculous prepayment. Avoid long-term prepayment contracts sold at a “discount price” as well.

Non-Personalized Treatments

Be wary of chiropractors who recommend a standardized treatment for every patient. Personalized treatments are much more effective. They also indicate that a practitioner is serious about making progress.

Final Thoughts on Finding a Trusted Local Chiropractor

As you evaluate your options, pay close attention to communication style.

When getting ready for your initial visit, bring recent x-rays and MRIs. Don’t forget to include information about other treatments as well.

If you notice any questionable practices, don’t hesitate to change your chiropractor immediately. Never allow yourself to feel pressured into agreeing to a certain technique.

Do you need tips on finding other services in your area? If so, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.