How do you know if your chiropractor is right for you?
I have had many patients tell me that their experience at my office was not what they expected, or was very different compared to other Chiropractors they had visited. I take this as a compliment.
My approach to patient care was shaped considerably by my experience overseas. Training, learning from and practicing with various other Chiropractors from all over the world exposed me to Chiropractic techniques I previously wasn’t even aware of.
I have learnt that Chiropractors can have very differing philosophies and approaches to health, and their clinical focus and expertise can vary depending on where they studied, where they have practiced, their experience and personal preference.
I am a firm believer that Chiropractic can change your life, as it has changed mine, but if Chiropractors are not all the same, how do you choose the right one for you?
It seems that Chiropractors typically fall into one of three categories.
PAIN/SYMPTOM BASED
The goal of symptom based treatment in general is to bring relief of whatever symptom you have. If you have a cough, take cough medicine, if you have pain take a painkiller, etc. When your focus is on relieving symptoms you run the risk of missing the underlying cause, and if you don’t correct the cause of the symptoms, they invariably return.
The focus of most Chiropractors I know is to help you with whatever pain or symptom you are experiencing at that moment. Chiropractic is known to produce very quick results, and patients often notice immediate improvement in their symptoms.
This approach is generally short term in nature; it’s to help you get out of pain as quick as possible and your treatment ends when you feel better.
SUBLUXATION BASED
Your nervous system is your master control system. It controls every bodily function, it keeps you functioning healthily and it causes those symptoms which often brings you to the Chiropractor. Your spine functions to protect your nervous system, to provide a frame that everything else attaches to and to allow movement.
Chiropractic was founded on the principle that any misalignment/subluxation of the spine can place strain on the nervous system and interfere with the nerve signals that run from the brain to the body and back again. This interference prevents the nervous system from functioning at 100%.
Subluxation based Chiropractors focus on realigning your vertebra to remove any interference to your nervous system so that you can heal and function at 100%.
CORRECTION BASED
The spine is designed to have a very specific shape and alignment. A properly aligned spine can move efficiently, function properly and distribute weight evenly across the joints.
Corrective care Chiropractors assess your posture and x-rays to measure the exact angles and shape of your spine. If your spine does not have the right shape or alignment, they will develop a specific treatment plan so that you regain normal alignment. This will improve your posture, keep you moving efficiently, keep your spine healthy and help you feel better.
The Chiropractors at Back to Health Chiropractic Durban are trained in Corrective Care techniques. Which means our focus is not just on helping you feel better, but rather to correct any structural misalignment’s you may have so that you continue to feel better and function better. Most patients who start Corrective Care will notice improvements in their symptoms within a short period of time.
I often have patients report positive changes to their health that they thought were unrelated to their spinal problems.
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS/MAINTENANCE?
Much like sending your car in for a service, some Chiropractors recommend you take care of your spine on a regular basis regardless of whether it hurts or not. Maintenance adjustments will help keep your spine moving properly and can prevent spinal problems from getting worse.
SO HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choose a Chiropractor that you trust and feel good about, choose someone who has the same philosophy towards health as you do, who makes you feel comfortable and is passionate about helping you achieve your health goals. Some Chiropractors only see a certain type of patient, for example some may like to deal with sport injuries, some with paediatrics, some even like specific conditions such as slipped discs.
If you only want help with a specific sport injury then find a Chiropractor whose focus is on sports injuries. If you want to correct your posture and make sure your spine is in a normal alignment, find a Chiropractor who knows corrective care, and can put you on a proper program so that you can make changes efficiently.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if you aren’t entirely happy don’t be afraid to find a new Chiropractor better suited to your needs.