Tips for taking the pain out of searching for a chiropractor

Back pain, headaches and joint pain are just some of the common ailments millions of Americans deal with daily. However, many do not know there is a treatment that may help.

October is National Chiropractic Health Month, and BBB wants to help you find a trustworthy chiropractor, so you can get through your day painfree.

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. They use spinal adjustments, manipulation and other techniques to manage a patient’s health concerns, such as back and neck pain.

A growing list of research studies and reviews demonstrates the services provided by chiropractic physicians are both safe and effective. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), 35 million Americans are treated by a chiropractor every year.

BBB offers these tips to help you find a trustworthy chiropractor:

■ Ask your primary care physician, friends and family for recommendations.

■ Interview possible chiropractors. It is important to feel comfortable with him or her. Is he or she friendly and courteous? Is he or she answering your questions and listening to your concerns? It is important to learn about the chiropractor, clinic and all possible treatment options.

■ Determine if the office location is convenient and clean.

■ Make sure the facility is licensed, carries appropriate insurance and meets local and state requirements.

■ Ask about experience. The more experience a chiropractor has with your specific condition or procedure may mean the better care you receive.

On top of knowing what to look for when searching for a chiropractor, here are a few warning signs:

■ Avoid chiropractors who discourage you to opt for other preventive treatments outside of chiropractic care.

■ Avoid a chiropractor who is making false claims or employing scare tactics to convince you to partake in an extensive treatment plan.

■ Be wary of a chiropractor who only gives one option without discussing pros/cons of different options.

For more on chiropractic health and a list of chiropractors, visit the American Chiropractic Association website at www.acatoday.org. BBB can also help in the process by providing a list of Accredited Businesses and Business Profiles on ones you’re considering on www.bbb.org. Or call 800-7765301 or 937-222-5825.