Surveys have found that more than 65 million adults in the U.S. have reported having a recent issue with back pain. Approximately 16 million of those adults, or close to 8%, claim to experience chronic or persistent back pain. That’s why finding a chiropractor should be a top priority.
It’s bad enough to be in pain, but back issues can also impact your quality of life. When you hurt, you may not be able to do the things you once did. As a stay-at-home mom, this could be detrimental. You need to be able to move freely to take care of your kids and family.
Read on to discover some tips for finding a chiropractor in your area so that you can get back to taking care of your family.
1. Ask for Referrals and Read Reviews
The first place you should start when looking for a chiropractor to help relieve your back pain is to ask for referrals.
Your friends, family members, and play-date moms may currently use or may have used a chiropractor in the past. Ask them who they would recommend.
Once you get some names, head to the internet and check out their site. While there, you should also look at the reviews left by other patients. This will give you an idea of what others think of them and whether or not they will be a good choice for you.
2. Consider Their Credentials
In addition to looking at their site for reviews, this is also a good opportunity to check out their credentials.
You want to make sure that they are licensed and insured.
A license will let you know that they have the skills, training, and experience to provide you with the right care. It’s also a good idea to ensure that they have no malpractice claims or disciplinary actions taken against them.
You may be able to find this information on the website maintained by the state that licenses chiropractors. You might also consider checking the Better Business Bureau website to see if any complaints have been filed against the chiropractor.
Insurance is important in case of an accident. Chiropractors will do what they can to improve your health and wellbeing, but issues can arise. If they have insurance, this will protect you and them.
3. Examine Their Experience
Once you have determined that a chiropractor has the right credentials and is licensed and insured, then you need to look at what type of experience they have.
Not only should they have years of experience helping patients, but they should also have knowledge about your particular ailment. This increases your chances of relieving back pain and getting back to your normal life so that you can take care of your kids.
You might consider asking them how many patients they have treated in the past with your specific condition and what the outcomes were. While every patient is unique and different and the chiropractor can’t guarantee the same results for you as for others, this at least gives you an idea of what they are capable of.
Having this information could help you determine if the chiropractor is the right one for you or if you need to keep looking.
In addition to looking at their experience, you might also ask what types of techniques the chiropractor uses.
Since every patient is different, they should offer a wide range of different chiropractor services. This allows them to create a customized treatment plan to help you heal. If they only offer one service, then it’s in your best interest to keep looking.
4. Ask if They Take Insurance
When it comes to the average price you pay for chiropractic services, these can range anywhere from $30 to $200 per session. The price is often determined by the type of treatment used to help with your pain.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the cost of common chiropractor fees, you need to ask if they take insurance. You might also consider calling your insurance company to find out how much they will cover and if there are any copayments you will be responsible for.
Knowing how much it will cost to improve your long-term health will impact your decision on which chiropractor you choose. With insurance covering part of the cost, this could make the treatments more affordable.
5. Ask About Free Consultations
Chiropractors don’t have to offer free consultations, but many of them do. This gives both you and them the opportunity to discuss your back pain and determine if they are the right ones to help you feel better.
It also gives you a chance to meet the chiropractor face to face. You’ll have a chance to see how well they communicate.
They should get to know you, as well as answer any questions you might have. Your treatment plan will be unique and tailored to your needs, and the only way the chiropractor can do that is by getting to know you.
6. They Should Conduct a Thorough Examination
Once you have had an initial consultation and found a chiropractor that you think will work, you’ll then make your first appointment. This should involve a thorough examination.
They have already gathered some information about your condition during the initial consultation, but your first exam should dive deeper. This is when x-rays may take place and more questions will be asked.
If the chiropractor doesn’t conduct a thorough examination to get to know you and your problem, then continuing your search is in your best interest.
7. Make Sure You Are Comfortable with Them
When it comes to dealing with back pain, not only do you need a chiropractor with the right education and experience, but you should also feel comfortable around them.
Many of the treatments involve hands-on techniques, so you need to be comfortable with the chiropractor touching you. They should also make you feel calm and relaxed. If they don’t, then you may miss appointments, which could delay your ability to heal.
Finding a Chiropractor
When it comes to finding a chiropractor to help with back pain, start with Elite Spine and Health Center. Our doctors have the skills and experience to help with a wide range of back issues.
You need to get back to your family as soon as possible. Don’t let back pain hold you back and make your miserable. Contact our office to make an appointment today!
