6 Signs You’re Seeing a Good Chiropractor

Finding good health care seems to be a losing battle for some. Whether it’s a physician, dentist, or chiropractor, there will always be those who are better at their jobs than others. Health care is such an important part of our lives that you shouldn’t have to settle for subpar care. So, here are some signs to look for in a good chiropractor. A good chiropractor will do a few major things very well. They will communicate effectively, provide effective treatments, and value your time. Under these three major factors, you’ll find six signs that tell you whether your chiropractor is good. Read on to discover the six signs of a good chiropractor!

How Do You Know If Your Chiropractor Is Good?

You’ve done some research, checking out reviews or perhaps getting a recommendation from a friend—or both. But even the most extensive research won’t hold a flame to what you actually experience when you visit your chiropractor. Luckily, you can figure out pretty quickly if your chiropractor is good by keeping the following signs in mind.

1. Your Chiropractor Communicates Well

Communication is key in any healthcare setting. If you feel you’re not being heard or not being informed as to the plan for your care, it doesn’t bode well for a good experience. In fact, patient satisfaction studies often list communication as one of the top factors influencing satisfaction. One national survey found that 83% of respondents were satisfied with their chiropractic care, listing good communication as one of the important factors. ⁽¹⁾ You can usually tell on your first visit or two how the communication will be.

2. Your Chiropractor Doesn’t Rush You

Many doctor’s offices feel like revolving doors. You’re rushed in (after waiting for 45 minutes past your appointment time), rushed through the consultation with the doctor, and rushed out again to make room for other patients. No one likes to feel like just another number, especially when it comes to their health care. Your chiropractor should take the time to answer all your questions in a calm manner while still making sure that they don’t waste your time with lots of waiting around. If you feel rushed after your first time visiting a chiropractor, that clinic may not be the best fit for you.

3. The Treatments You Get Are Working

Chiropractic care, like other healthcare treatments, can take a little while to see results. However, if you don’t feel like the treatments are working—or they’re making things worse—it may be a good idea to get a second opinion. A good chiropractor will make sure you’re seeing progress. And if you’re not, he or she will refer you to another professional. For example,  since chiropractors don’t write prescriptions, you may be referred to a physician by a good chiropractor if they think that you will benefit from prescription medicine or injections.

4. You’re Offered Multiple Treatment Modalities

While spinal adjustments are a big part of chiropractic care, they aren’t the only thing you should be getting during the course of your treatment. Studies show that multiple treatment modalities work best for those with musculoskeletal pain. ⁽²⁾ Your chiropractor should offer multiple treatment modalities for effective care. These include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Physical Therapy/Rehab
• Chiropractic Massage Therapy
• Stretches and Exercises
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

5. Your Experience is Good Overall

You can tell a lot about a chiropractor from the way the office operates. A good chiropractic experience is achieved through all the employees with which you interact. From the front desk team member to the patient care coordinator, all the way to the massage therapist, your overall experience should be positive. You’ll enjoy going to a good chiropractor because the environment is friendly and hospitable. 

6. You Know What to Expect From Your Chiropractor

Part of good communication is knowing what you should expect from your chiropractor. The scope of chiropractic care is focused on the musculoskeletal system. So a chiropractor that promises you the world is probably just trying to get your money. Like other specialists, chiropractors can’t cure everything. And a good chiropractor will be clear with you on what to expect and an approximate timeline in which to expect it.

Symptoms of Needing a Chiropractor

At this point, you may be wondering whether you should see a chiropractor. There are several symptoms to look out for that indicate you should make an appointment with a chiropractor. These include:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Pain down one or both legs
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Whiplash
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Wrist pain
• Trouble bending down, walking, or performing other daily activities
• Pain when sitting or lying down

How to See a Chiropractor?

A good chiropractor will make it easy to make an appointment. Obviously, the chiropractor should have a license to practice in the state, as well as a doctorate of chiropractic. You can always ask about these things when you call for an appointment if you’re unsure about them. You may be able to sign up online for an appointment, as well. If the chiropractor doesn’t have a website, or it’s difficult to find out how to schedule an appointment on the site, it’s a red flag.

Signs of a Good Chiropractor: Conclusion

You can rest easy knowing that chiropractic care is incredibly safe. In fact, studies show that there are very low rates of serious adverse events. ⁽³⁾ This is because chiropractic care is non-surgical, drug-free, and conservative. When used in conjunction with massage therapy and physical therapy, chiropractic care is beneficial in numerous ways. And booking an appointment is easy.

Benefits of Seeing Our Chiropractor

At Better Health Anchorage, it’s easy to schedule an appointment. We even offer a same-day chiropractic adjustment if you call before noon! It’s one of the four core promises we make to every patient, another of which is the First Visit Promise, which guarantees you’ll be happy with your visit—or it’s on us! Schedule your appointment at our Anchorage office.