Choosing The Right Chiropractor

How do you find a chiropractor that suits your needs? Chiropractors use various techniques and follow many different philosophies, so it is important to find one that matches your needs. Starting with the yellow pages or recommendations from friends and co-workers, there are still other tips to help you find just what you are looking for to get your life back in line.

First, take the time to interview prospects. If you cannot reach the doctor by phone, you can make an appointment to speak directly with him/her. As you work through the interview, pay attention to the doctor's communication skills. Can he/she speak comfortably with you? Is he/she eager to answer any questions that you may have?

What should you ask? The following suggestions could be questions to start with.

1. What are his/her feelings about how chiropractics differs from other health professions?

2. What does he/she consider to be his/her responsibility when diagnosing you?

3. What is his/her stance on referring patients to other specialists?

4. What techniques does he/she use?

5. Does he/she have experience with you particular condition?

6. What are the fees, referral procedures, and insurance procedures?

7. Where is he/she located and what are the hours?

You should probably avoid any chiropractor who:

1. Feels he/she is opposed to mainstream medicine.

2. Denies his/her responsibility to diagnose or refer in a friendly manner.

3. Tries to expound a technique that only he/she knows about.

4. Insists of expensive tests that do not seem necessary.

5. Tries to scare you or make a sales pitch.

6. Has an unclean working environment.

7. Uses "cold calls" to drum up business.

Keep in mind that depending on your specific condition you may need to make several visits to the chiropractor before seeing any relief. For this reason, you should choose a doctor that is not too far away or who has irregular office hours. You may encounter situations in which you need to be able to see your doctor quickly, so he/she should be someone you can rely on to respond to your individual needs.

What should you expect on your first office visit? The chiropractor's office should resemble any medical office: clean, professional, and courteous. You will probably need to fill out forms on medical history and current issues that have brought you to the chiropractor. As you discuss this in detail with the doctor, you should feel comfortable. Tests that are appropriate for the first visit include measuring vital signs, neurological and orthopedic tests, and an analysis of your musculoskeletal system to determine if chiropractics can help you. Feel free to ask why certain tests are being administered and expect a clear explanation that is easy for you to understand. If the doctor is unable to explain your exact condition, the treatment options, and his/her customized plan of treat to your understanding, he/she is probably not the right doctor for you.

Each patient's treatment plan will vary. Although you may have the exact same problem as someone you know, your body's response to treatment may be faster or slower. This is why it is so important to choose a doctor based on your own research, so that a trusted working relationship can be formed without any pressure.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Damiana

Excellent strengthening energy to nerves and limbs, Damiana has a reputation as a great sexual rejuvenator, particularly in lethargy of the sexual organs. Whether that old wives tale is true or not, it does have a definite positive effect on the central nervous system and the hormonal system as well as a being useful as an anti-depressant.

Dandelion

User either the root or leaf. Useful as a powerful diuretic, it is a good source for potassium. Help in fighting anemia, also used for fever, liver, skin and urinary ailments.

Devils Claw

Very effective in arthritis as well as liver and kidney problems.

Dill

It is the seeds that are used for treatments. An excellent remedy for flatulence and colic, it also helps to sooth the nerves.