Do you suffer from back or neck pain? Are you dealing with headaches or poor sleep quality?
It may be time for you to see a chiropractor in Lexington.
A chiropractor can use spinal manipulations to help relieve the pain in your joints and muscles. This can greatly improve both your physical and emotional well-being for years to come.
Yet how can you know that you’re choosing the right physician?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Looking For References and Reviews
Your friends and family will probably be honest about their past experiences with chiropractors and other physicians.
Before hiring a chiropractor, ask for some personal recommendations, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the physician effective at treating back pain? Were they professional and courteous? How long was the wait for an appointment?
If you can’t get any recommendations from those you know, call up local chiropractor offices and ask for references you can speak to about their experience. It’s important to look for someone in the Lexington area so you won’t need to travel far for your appointments.
You can also check online reviews to make sure what former patients are saying matches up with what you’re hearing from references. Be on the listen for repeated comments. Chances are, these are a good indication of what your experience will be like.
2. Not Interviewing a Chiropractor
An initial consultation is a great way to find out if a chiropractor is right for you. Take the time to talk to your physician before you decide if it’s a good fit.
You’ll want to make note of how you feel when you visit.
Does the chiropractor listen carefully to your questions and answer them knowledgeably? Do they have any treatment concerns or suggestions? Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Make sure your chiropractor responds to your communications quickly. If you have additional questions after your visit, be sure to follow up with an email or phone call. Your physician should be willing and able to help you feel at ease.
If a chiropractor doesn’t seem to give you the answers you’re looking for, it’s okay to talk to other physicians before making your final decision. You’ll want to be certain that the chiropractor you choose is capable of providing you with the best treatment possible.
3. Not Asking About Specialties
Some chiropractors may pursue post-graduate specialties in various areas. They may not have a specialized area, but it’s worth it to ask about their area of expertise.
Your doctor may, for example, specialize in orthopedics, rehabilitation, nutrition, or sports medicine. Make sure your doctor can give you specialized care in the area you need help with the most.
You’ll want to be aware of the types of treatment available to help with your condition.
Some physicians are only there to give you a “crack,” while others take a more holistic approach. You may, for example, have a condition that can be controlled with preventative care such as diet and exercise.
Make sure you choose a chiropractor who can help you stay healthy in the least invasive way possible. You should be looking for someone who is willing to look into many areas of wellness to keep you healthy.
4. No Telehealth Capability
In today’s healthcare environment, it’s possible for periods of time to go by when you’re unable to visit your doctor in person. You may also develop a problem that needs immediate assistance.
You can talk to your doctor about your symptoms at home and avoid a trip to their office, which is convenient when it comes to follow-up visits and minor complaints.
Before hiring a chiropractor, check with them about their telehealth capability.
5. Not Checking Qualifications
A chiropractor will need a four-year degree that involves three years of full-time study and one year of supervised work before they are allowed to practice. They’ll also need paid or unpaid experience.
Before hiring a chiropractor, make sure they have a Kentucky state license. You can also follow with on any other professional organizations they are a part of.
6. Not Getting a Full Evaluation
It’s important to make sure that your condition gets properly diagnosed before beginning treatment. Otherwise, you could be treating symptoms and not getting to the roof of your problems.
Thorough chiropractic exams involve checks of your pulse, reflexes, and respiration. Your doctor should also be checking your range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological abilities.
Your doctor may also take X-rays or do a posture analysis. Make sure that you are thoroughly examined so that the treatment you receive is customized to your unique needs.
7. Not Going When You Feel Better
While you may notice a significant improvement after your first few visits to a chiropractor, it’s critical to continue going.
While your pain may be subsiding, your neurological behavior and spinal structure may still need work before it can produce any lasting changes.
Make sure you don’t stop getting care once you start feeling better. Continued treatment is the key to making sure your problems don’t return a few months later.
Finding the Best Chiropractor in Lexington
Finding a chiropractor in Lexington involves a little homework. With the right references and research, you can find someone who will keep you in excellent health for years to come.
Don’t wait to start treating your back pain and moving on with your life. For more information on excellent Lexington chiropractors, contact us today.