Before you choose a Chiropractic Doctor, it helps to do your research. Chiropractors differ in their style, their techniques and in their overall philosophy. Learn about your chiropractor’s education and his or her chiropractic philosophy. The education a chiropractor receives depends on the chiropractic college he or she attends. For example, I attended the National College of Chiropractic just outside of Chicago, Illinois. The Chiropractic college strongly emphasizes clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis (such as the interpretation of blood work results), neurology, nutrition, physical therapy, rehabilitation and, of course, Chiropractic spinal manipulation. I have learned the value of using the holistic approach when treating individuals. Some Chiropractors do not believe in or use the therapeutic techniques that are common in my practice.
Manipulation techniques vary among chiropractic practitioners. For example, many Chiropractors use manual spinal manipulation. This involves using the hands and arms to manually manipulate the spine. Other chiropractors employ the use of adjusting devices, such as the activator, which is a hand-held device that allows the doctor to deliver a pre-measured thrust to the spinal area. This is a technique that works very well on elderly or frail patients. Still other Chiropractors use a flexion/distraction technique, which is a special adjusting table that works well on those with bulging or herniated discs. There is another technique known as the “drop technique”. This uses another type of specialized chiropractic table. I recommend a doctor who uses a variety of techniques. Every patient and every condition is different. You may find that one technique is not as effective for you than others. If the doctor does not offer the specific treatment you need, you may not respond at all. We use all of these techniques are at our clinic and individualize the treatment to what works best for you.
It is also important to take a look at the credentials of the chiropractor you use. Chiropractors, like other medical professionals, carry certain sub-specialties. For example, if you have a sports-related injury, you’ll want to see a Chiropractor who has as a sub-specialty in sports medicine. I am Board-Eligible in Neurology; I have National Certification in Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation; I have post-graduate education and training in electro-diagnosis and Ayur-Vedic Medicine. I have also attended the Whiplash-Masters Program, sponsored by The Spine Research Institute of San Diego. I have participated in research involving live, human crash testing studies and was a team physician for the USA karate team for 7 years. Part of my work has included traveling with and treating players on the PGA tour since 1989. I hope you don’t think I’m blowing my own horn here; rather, I want to drive home the point that knowing your doctor’s credentials and qualifications is important. If you would like to learn more about my credentials, you can find them elsewhere on this website.
Perhaps the most important step in finding the chiropractor for you is finding one with whom you feel very comfortable. You should never be afraid to ask him or her any questions you have regarding your healthcare. The doctor you choose needs to listen to you and pay attention to your concerns. If you don’t feel that way when you meet a new chiropractor, try seeing someone else. I offer a free telephone consultation before you meet me in person, so you can ask questions of me and decide for yourself if you will feel comfortable with me. I’m sure you understand that I can’t diagnose your condition over the phone but I can listen and will try to answer any questions you may have.