An estimated 30 million people see a chiropractor annually.
Any chronic back pain, neck pain, blood flow problems, or misalignments can get treated by a chiropractor.
When you are ready to see a specialist, you won’t want to choose just any chiropractic office.
In the Houston area, Elite Spring offers reputation, courtesy, and professionalism that can’t be beaten. Here’s when you should book an appointment.
When To See A Specialist
In one study, more than one-third of adults reported experiencing lower back pain in the last three months.
Back pain can start as early as your 30s or 40s. As folks get older, a loss of bone strength can lead to fractures and a decrease in elasticity. Weight gain, anxiety, depression, and smoking can all lead to an increased risk of neck and back pain.
Your pain could be the result of a ligament strain from heavy lifting. It can also get caused by arthritis, osteoporosis, or bulging discs.
Most back pain is acute. It is short-term and tends to resolve itself through self-care within a few weeks.
You will usually not lose function with acute pain. If your pain persists for four to twelve weeks, it is known as subacute pain. Chronic pain persists for twelve weeks or longer, even after the initial injury has gotten treated.
If your pain isn’t relenting, it is time to see a chiropractor. If you experience stabbing or shooting pain, or if the pain is shooting down your leg, you also need professional treatment.
You should see a chiropractor if your pain worsens with bending. Any numbness or tingling also requires professional assistance.
Choosing A Chiropractor
When choosing a specialist, most folks start out by asking their relatives, friends, and coworkers for referrals. You may also want to ask your primary care physician, physical specialist, or spine specialist who they would recommend. This is a great place to start, but you should also do some of your own research.
Check out online reviews for some anecdotal information. Many times, you will see patients saying similar things about their experience. This gives you have a good indication of what your experience will be like.
When speaking to former patients, ask specific questions. You will want to know about wait times, office environment, and how interested the doctor seemed in the patient’s concerns. A practice’s website will also be a good place to see if the doctor is patient-oriented and consistent.
You can go to your insurance plan and check to see which doctors are covered. It is disappointing to find a great fit before discovering you can’t afford to visit the doctor.
It is also important to check out your doctor’s credentials online. Look on your state’s licensing board website to determine if your doctor’s license checks out, or if any complaints have gotten filed against them.
Make some phone calls to ask about insurance coverage and hours. You will want to be certain that you get treated with patience and efficiency by your doctor’s staff.
Check Out Your Doctor
Check out your doctor’s resume. You will want to find out where they went to medical school, what certifications they have, and if there has been any disciplinary history.
Do they treat only muscle-skeletal conditions? Do they seem to be encouraging long-term treatment options? Are multiple X-rays recommended?
X-rays should be required only when necessary. It is a red flag if your chiropractor requires many x-rays or many long-term treatment options.
When you go for your first visit, you will want to feel completely comfortable with your chiropractor. They should be eager to help you and answer all of your questions.
You will want a doctor who empowers you to take charge of your preventative care. Pre-sold packages, or pressure to sign up for office preventative programs, are usually a bad sign.
The office should feel comfortable, well-organized, and welcoming. Ask about how many patients your doctor has treated with your specific condition. Don’t be shy about asking about outcomes.
Elite Spine & Health Center
Elite Spine is one of the top chiropractic offices in Houston. The office is pristine, modern, and welcoming.
Staff and nurses at Elite Spine have been praised for their professionalism, efficiency, and promptness. They are down-to-earth and friendly. Some former patients even happily reported that there was no wait time at all.
You will want to choose a chiropractor who you feel comfortable talking to. Your doctor should show interest in you and support you in your decisions. They will talk to you about your preferences before presenting treatment options.
The staff at Elite Spine will work with you and your rehab team to create an individualized plan. They treat conditions like sprains, shin splints, and tendinitis with the latest technology. Custom orthotics, electrical stimulation, and adjustments will all help you recover quickly and effectively.
Dr. Cheong is a former athlete who has worked alongside the head chiropractor for the Houston Texans and the Houston Astros. The practice has been honored as one of Houston’s Top Doctors of 2019, and a Parents Choice Award winner in 2015.
There are two convenient locations in Westchase and Spring.
The Best Chiropractic Office
It takes a great chiropractic office to treat today’s patient. Efficiency, sensitivity, and professionality are all required to get you back on your feet quickly. Elite Spine has some of the best doctors, staff, and services Houston has to offer.
For more information, fill out a form today.
