What to look for in a chiro?

[ChrisC]

My lower back is toast and I have finally decided to go see someone about it. I want to go see a chiropractor but having never gone to one before I have a couple of questions about finding a good chiro.

Obviously I want a chiro who isn't going to tell me to stop lifting. Aside from that I have no idea what to look for in a chiro. Does anyone have any suggestions or questions I should ask when selecting a chiro?

[xenabeachgirl]

I've been to several chiros over the years; here's some things I've learned:

Make sure you're comfortable with their manner, as well as their adjustment techniques. They should talk to you and get a good history, as well as making you feel relaxed and comfortable before they start. They should explain each adjustment as they go along so you're not surprised by what they're doing. Some will want to take x-rays since you're a new patient. A good chiro will also tell you if your condition is beyond their realm of helpfulness or capability, and refer you elsewhere if needed.

Do keep in mind that you must be relaxed, not tense, when they do the manipulation, or you could end up hurting worse. Also, you will probably be sore afterwards, possibly for several days, so give the inflammation a chance to go down (you might need to use ice and/or ibuprofen) before you decide whether you feel better or not.

You may have to go in several times at first, but then you should be able to back off to just as much as you feel you need. Don't be fooled by someone who wants to keep seeing you over and over "X" number of times a week, so they can rack up the charges.

In short, trust them to help you feel better, but make sure you feel comfortable with them, or find a different chiro. Good luck!

[ChrisC]

Thanks Xena!

[Jesse]

I have gone to a few chiros and think they are great for certain things like adjustments to get you all lined up and feeling good again if there is nothing major going on. I have yet to meet one that has said that they wanted to "treat my situation aggressivly" which is part of the reason I had to get surgery. I was corrected so often over a long period of time that it made things worse. I will still go see and chiro every now and again but I dont let them adjust my lower back.

My advice to you Chris, is to go and get some imaging studies (MRI, CT) and find out if you have some sort of degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, bone spurrs, arthritis or some simple muscle tightness.
I battled 2 heriated discs for years and finally did the fusion when it was bone on bone...
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Jadethegladiator]

Chris,
Where are you located? My sister works for one of the best in Delaware. I never really believed in the whole chiropractic thing, then I got hurt. My attitude changed completely, I gave it a shot & now I am all better. Let me know.

Jade
www.firststatehealth.com

[ChrisC]

Jade, i'm in Lincoln, NE.

After talking to UncleJesse, I'm going to get some scans done and then have my doc talk about them before deciding on whether to see a chiro or back doc.
and thanks for the link, unfortuantely it's a little too far for me