Choosing a Chiropractor doesn’t have to be a Pain in the Neck: 5 Danger Signs to Avoid When Finding the Right Chiropractor
More people suffering from life’s aches and pains seek chiropractic than those who try alternative therapies like yoga, massage, and acupuncture. With more than 60,000 licensed chiropractors nation-wide, patients often wonder how to find a qualified chiropractor who can relieve their particular pain. “The Headache Doctor” Randy James of the Denver Headache and Spine Center offers these Five Danger Signs to Avoid When Finding the Right Chiropractor.
Littleton, CO (Vocus) August 2, 2011 -- Yoga and massage have recently gained in popularity. However, approximately 7.4 percent of the population is turning to chiropractic care which, according to the American Chiropractic Association, is a higher percentage than those seeking alternative therapies like yoga, massage, and acupuncture or other diet-based therapies. Of those seeking chiropractic care, 84 percent experience neck pain, headaches and lower back pain, according to the Chiropractic Resource Organization. But where does one start? How can the pitfalls of searching for a chiropractor be avoided? How can a good, qualified chiropractor be found?
“Finding relief for back pain doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck,” assures Dr. Randy James, DC, BCAO of the Denver Headache and Spine Center. It can be difficult for someone suffering from neck or back pain to decide where to turn. Dr. James suggests that patients avoid these five danger signs when finding the right chiropractor:
1. Long-term Treatment Commitments
Patients should avoid contracts that tie them to one office for more than a few visits. If an agreement includes a non-refundable fee for deciding to leave the practice, keep searching. "You should be free to get a second opinion or discontinue treatment at any time," warns Dr. James. "Do not be forced into anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
2. Exclusive Treatment
Avoid a chiropractor that discourages the patient from other treatment outside of chiropractic care. "Anyone practicing in today's medical environment should be willing to work closely with other branches of medicine, including primary care, physical therapy, and interventional pain management," advises Dr. James. "A reputable chiropractor should be able, and willing, to identify conditions they cannot treat and refer to a more appropriate provider."
3. Outrageous Claims
There is a reason for the old saying, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Avoid chiropractic professionals who make claim to be able to cure unrealistic, unreasonable, or unrelated conditions. Dr. James insists that a patient should never be scared into treatment.
4. Opposition to Available Technology
X-rays and advanced imaging such as MRI can detect when chiropractic is a proper prescription, and when it is not. "There are a number of circumstances in which chiropractic treatment is contraindicated,” continues Dr. James. “In addition to a thorough examination, imaging the spine can usually detect these problems to avoid further injury."
5. Ignoring Your Instincts
When arriving at the facility, pay attention to the surroundings. Is the office well maintained and clean? Is the staff friendly? Does the doctor respect the patients’ time or are patients kept waiting? Do the recommendations the doctor make seem reasonable? If something seems “off,” it probably is. With more than 60,000 active chiropractic licenses in all 50 states, there are certainly better options.
“The average adult who selects a chiropractor and begins treatment should notice 40%-50% improvement within the first four to five weeks of treatment,” concludes Dr. James. “If the patient is still struggling after five weeks, it is time to re-evaluate and most likely change strategies."
Also known as The Headache Doctor, Dr. Randy L James, DC, BCAO is an honors graduate from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic who has been trained by some of the best doctors in the world to identify spinal/musculoskeletal conditions. Over the last eight years, Dr. James has helped hundreds of neck, back and headache sufferers make the switch from living a life confined by their pain, to living a life free from pain.
For further tips on selecting a chiropractor, request the free audio CD “Five Secrets for Choosing a Qualified Chiropractor” at the Denver Headache and Spine Center, or call Dr. Randy L. James at 303-795-7530
