Los Angeles Chiropractors: How to Find the Best One for You
Do you sit at a desk in front of a computer all day? Do you perform repetitive work activities? Does one of your shoes wear out faster than the other? When you look in the mirror do you have one shoulder higher than the other? Do you have chronic muscle pain that you’ve learned to live with? Have you recently injured yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consult with a board qualified, experienced Los Angeles area chiropractor. Here are a few very important things to keep in mind and ask when looking for a chiropractor.
- Check your prospective chiropractor out with the State Board of Chiropractic (http://www.chiro.ca.gov/) to see if the chiropractor you are considering has had any disciplinary action.
- Do your homework. A google search (your city + chiropractor) will reveal patient ratings and reviews of the doctors in your area.
- The best chiropractors join professional associations such as the ACA, ICA, and the CCA.
- The insurance trap. Just because a chiropractor is listed in your company insurance plan book, it doesn’t mean he or she is the best one for you. Many of the best chiropractors have opted out of HMO insurance plans because of the limited care allowed and the control the insurance companies impose on the doctors. The best chiropractors are here to help. Many will offer cost-saving, surprisingly affordable cash plans or they will work with your PPO insurance plan.
- Chiropractic is not a cure. It helps the body heal itself. Be careful of any chiropractor claiming to “heal” medical conditions.
- Experience counts. Don’t be afraid to ask your chiropractor how long he or she has been in practice. Chiropractic manual adjusting is a learned skill. Generally speaking, more experience means better adjustments.
- The best chiropractors will train their patients on proper stretches and exercises and will consult with you on supplementation, diet, ergonomics and lifestyle changes.
- Make sure your chiropractor has no problem referring to other specialists or working with any other doctors you happen to have.
- Be sure to ask your friends and family for a referral. The best way to find a top chiropractor is from another satisfied patient.
- Seek out chiropractors that offer a free consultation. The best chiropractors will meet with you to discuss your particular problem at no charge.
- Some patients require very little treatment to help them get better fast. Others, with chronic pain or acute injury may need more care. If your chiropractor recommends a treatment plan of four to six weeks, you should start seeing results and significant improvement for non-complex problems within that time frame. A reevaluation should follow to determine if any further care is necessary.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. A good chiropractor will be fine with you seeking a second opinion and may offer names of chiropractors in the area he or she trusts.
David Salse, D.C. is a regionally recognized educator and CEO of Salse Chiropractic in Monrovia, CA, and United Physicians Health Institute. With over 17 years experience working with and specializing in wellness care, he is recognized by many national and international corporations as an authority in pain management using TENS technology. He has personally treated over ten thousand auto accident patients and is experienced with depositions, jury trials, and medical report writing. Dr. Salse is approved by the California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (SBCE) as a licensed chiropractor with a specialty in Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA). Learn more at UnitedPhysicianshealthInstitute.com or WWW.MonroviaChiropractic.com. (626) 256-3422
