50% of Americans visit a chiropractor at least once in their lifetime. Women tend to go about 50% more often. 

While most of us have a positive view of the good chiropractor, that doesn’t mean it’s safe or smart to randomly pick one. Instead, it’s important to do a little research. 

Finding the good chiropractor out of the bunch is important. If you’re looking to learn how to find and choose a chiropractor, keep reading. 

We’re sharing with you a few tips on how to find the good chiropractor to help you ease and manage your symptoms. 

Medical Referrals to Find the Good Chiropractor

Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor? The answer is somewhat surprising. 

Not only do you not need a referral, in all 50 states, but insurance companies also recognize chiropractors as primary care providers. That means if you suffer from back pain or other musculoskeletal problems you can head straight to a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment. 

All without a referral from a medical doctor. In fact, chiropractors are trained to serve as a primary care physician. They can even refer their patients to other specialists. 

Who to Ask for a Referral?

However, if you already have a primary care physician, he or she can refer a good chiropractor to you. You can also ask your insurance company for recommendations. 

Friends and family members are also great sources for recommendations. Just remember to ask them what they liked most and least about the chiropractor so you get a good sense of what to expect. 

Do Some Online Research

If you want to know how to choose a chiropractor, do some online research first. Not all chiropractors use the same methods to treat their patients. 

Go online to view their websites. If their websites provide good information and the overall look is professional, it’s a good indication you’ll find the same experience when you’re in their office. 

Check out their credentials. Make sure they have the proper credentials to treat your specific needs. They must pass separate state board exams as well. 

What Chiropractors Study?

The educational requirements for a chiropractor are similar to that of a medical doctor. That includes four years of undergraduate school followed by 4-5 years of advanced study in some of the following areas:

• Diagnosis
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation
• Neurology
• Radiology
• Gross Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Orthopedics
• Chiropractic techniques
• Internal medicine
• Physiology
• Nutrition

There first 2 years of chiropractor school and medical school are similar. Many chiropractic students are interns doing the same hospital rounds as medical students. However, in the third and fourth years of school, chiropractor students focus on radiology, adjustments, natural medicine, and biomechanics. 

Once their schooling is finished, they need to complete the clinical competency exam of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).

Ask Questions and Look Around Until You’re Comfortable

If you want to know how to find a chiropractor you like and trust, you have to come prepared with a list of questions. 

Ask them what their experience is and how long they’ve been in business. Make sure they have experience working with people who have your specific issue. 

Take a look at their office space. If it’s untidy, chaotic or their staff is rude or seems incompetent, it’s a sign you should walk away. 

If you feel they are focusing on quantity versus quality, find another chiropractor. Learn more about what makes a quality chiropractor here. 

Keep Asking and Searching Until You’re Comfortable

Ask whatever questions you need to until you feel comfortable receiving treatment from the chiropractor. A good chiropractor wants to ensure you are aware of what type of treatment you’re receiving and will happily answer your questions.

If the chiropractor won’t answer questions or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, find someone new. Work with someone you trust. 

Make Sure You Understand Their Treatment Plan 

It’s a good idea to ask about your treatment plan, how it was put together, and what the expected timescale is. 

While the chiropractor may not give you a treatment plan idea until after she or he has had the chance to check you out, they should provide you with a rough estimate of how long the timescale is based on the symptoms you describe. 

If someone makes a promise that sounds a little too long or even too short, speak up. This is your body and your health.

Also, keep in mind that everyone’s body responds differently to treatment. One body may bounce back quickly while another body needs more time to make adjustments. 

Ask About Payment 

Depending on experience and location, pricing for a chiropractor’s visit varies from as little as $30 to around $200 per session. On average, it costs around $65 per session and most chiropractors offer the initial session at no charge. 

Always ask about costs upfront so you have a clear understanding of the cost of each session before you make a commitment to a treatment plan. Check with your insurance company to see how much of the cost they’ll cover and if there’s a limit to how many sessions they’ll pay for. 

You can also look into financing options to help you finance your visits. However, do your research to make sure it’s worth it. 

Look for Reviews and Testimonials

Take a look online to see if you can find reviews and/or testimonials given by others about the good chiropractor. Read what others wrote about what to expect as well as their likes and dislikes about their visit. 

While some reviews are from unhappy people and may have nothing to do with how competent a chiropractor is, most reviews are spot on. However, don’t just use one source for your reviews.

Some sites control which reviews you see and they’re not always as accurate. Check out their social media pages to see if they have a following, what they post, and if anyone has left any comments. 

Trust Your Gut

Trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable working with a particular chiropractor, find another one you do feel comfortable with.

Your goal is to find someone to help you heal permanently. If they aren’t able to help you accomplish your goal then it’s just a waste of your time and money. 

Stay Healthy with the Good Chiropractor

Find the good chiropractor who approaches your physical and mental health two parts of a large package. Part of being healthy is not just going to see a chiropractor for a session but to incorporate physical exercise and nutrition into your daily routine as well.

We want to help you get and stay healthy. Click here to learn which fruits to incorporate into your diet.