Going to a Chiropractic Clinic

When considering whether to visit a chiropractic clinic to treat an ailment, it is a good idea to get as much information as possible about that clinic and the practice of chiropractic in general.  There are over 60,000 chiropractors in the United States right now, and that number is growing every year.  Chiropractic treats many different conditions without the use of surgery or drugs.  In fact, chiropractors are not licensed to write prescriptions or perform any major surgery.  The main treatment that you will receive at a chiropractic clinic is referred to as “spinal manipulation”.  Most chiropractors call this “spinal adjustment” or “chiropractic adjustment”.  These adjustments are meant to treat a variety of conditions including: chronic pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, numbness, as well as the common back and neck pain.  Chiropractic clinics offer non invasive methods for treating many conditions that may require drugs or even surgery through more traditional medicine practices.

Chiropractors go through a very rigorous education program akin to that of medical doctors.  Most Chiropractors have a four year undergraduate degree with emphasis on the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy, etc... ).  The minimum requirement to be accepted into Chiropractic College is 2 years of undergraduate coursework with credits in these sciences.  In the United States Chiropractic schools are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.  There are currently 18 accredited schools in the United States.  There are also about 12 accredited schools located around the world in Europe, Australia, and Canada.   After completing the program in Chiropractic College, a prospective chiropractor would need to pass a national test, as well as a state test.  Some states require chiropractors to participate in continuing education in order to retain their license.

It is a good idea to know what you are getting yourself into when going to a chiropractic clinic for the first time.  You will need to fill out a detail patient history form as well as list any and all symtoms you are experiencing at the time.  Make sure to list things in your symptoms that you may feel are unrelated (insomnia, headaches, fatigue, etc...), as these may signal something to your doctor of chiropractic.  Many chiropractors will take x-rays before they do any adjustments.  A large portion of the training to become a chiropractor involves reading and analyzing x-rays.  If everything looks good on the x-rays, you will be set to receive your adjustment. 

This is the part about going to the chiropractic clinic that most people fear, the actual spinal manipulation.  I have personally been to two different doctors, and have never felt one bit of pain.  The adjustments that I received were more of a relief than anything else, think cracking your knuckles on a bigger scale. 

Most chiropractors have an introductory offer or a discounted first visit, take advantage of that!  Even without health insurance, you can often find an initial consultation and sometimes even the x-rays for under $50.  If the doctor of chiropractic that you chose does not suit you, find another one.  With the cost being so low for the first visit, it doesn't make sense to stick with a doctor that you don't like very much.

I have personally been to two chiropractors, and had two very different experiences. The first of the chiropractic clinics I went to treated a lower back injury that I suffered at work. I elected to go to the chiropractor after I had done the first couple of weeks of physical therapy. I went on the insistence of my employer, who had been a patient of this doctor for many years. My employer paid for my initial consultation, as well as the next couple of treatments to make the cost less of an issue. To this day I am ecstatic that my boss pushed me to go to his doctor of chiropractic. I honestly felt like dancing after my very first visit. My hips and lower back were so loose, and my flexibility was through the roof.

The second chiropractic clinic I visited was for an upper back problem. I was very happy with the work this doctor provided, but was not nearly as impressed with his “bedside manner”. I only went for one visit to this chiropractor. As I stated above, if the chiropractic clinic isn't a good fit for you don't be afraid to try out a new one.