Preface:
This e-book is designed to guide prospective chiropractic patients through the process of finding the right chiropractor. With over 70,000 chiropractors across the United States, the search can often feel daunting. It’s similar to the challenge of finding a great medical doctor or dentist—there are many options, but not all are the best fit for your specific needs. Unfortunately, negative experiences with chiropractors can lead people to dismiss chiropractic care altogether, which is unfortunate. When you find a highly skilled chiropractor, they can profoundly impact your well-being and help you build a foundation for optimal health.
In today’s fast-paced, stressful world, maintaining a healthy, well-aligned spine is essential for living a vibrant and healthy life. This e-book will walk you through the four most common mistakes people make when selecting a chiropractor—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. I’ll also share insights from our practice, which has helped thousands of patients avoid surgeries, cortisone shots, and unnecessary medication by committing to proper care and exercises.
When you’re ready to take your health to the next level, use these tips to find a chiropractor who truly has your best interests at heart. Good luck with your search! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@NewYorkChiropractic.com.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or conditions.
MISTAKE #1: Relying Only on Your Insurance Booklet to Find a Chiropractor
Many people believe that they should only seek care from chiropractors within their insurance network, but this can be a costly mistake for your health. Here’s why.
Firstly, an “in-network” chiropractor has signed a contract with the insurance company, which often dictates how much they can charge, what treatments they can offer, and how often they can see you. These limits are not based on your specific healthcare needs but on what an insurance company—lacking chiropractic expertise—deems sufficient. For instance, you may have a significant issue such as severe degenerative spine with scoliosis, but your insurance may only cover a fraction of the treatments you need.
The result? You might receive care based on what insurance allows, not on what your body actually requires.
At our office, we’ve chosen to remain out of network for most insurances because we believe in delivering care based on what our patients need, not what insurance companies dictate. Like many, I personally choose to see out-of-network providers because they offer more flexibility and focus on my health.
People often assume that out-of-network chiropractic care will cost exorbitant amounts, but that’s not always the case. For example, in New York City, chiropractic visits typically range between $75 and $150. If your in-network co-pay is $75, you may find that out-of-network care costs only marginally more, yet offers significantly higher quality.
Ultimately, choosing a chiropractor should be based on their ability to meet your health needs, not dictated by insurance companies. Chiropractic care is an investment, and finding the right practitioner can deliver lifelong benefits.
MISTAKE #2: Choosing a Chiropractor Who Relies on Subjective, Not Objective, Evaluations
Would you trust a personal trainer who says, “If you feel better, you’re healthier,” even if you haven’t lost any weight or made measurable progress? Unfortunately, some chiropractors operate on this kind of subjective assessment—basing your progress solely on how you feel rather than how your body is functioning.
The reality is, symptoms are often the last thing to appear and the first to disappear. Just because you’re no longer in pain doesn’t mean the underlying cause has been resolved.
At New York Chiropractic Life Center, we take a different approach. During your first visit, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including digital posture analysis and computerized motion study x-rays. These objective tools allow us to track your recovery and ensure that we’re addressing the root cause of your issue, not just providing temporary relief.
Our office follows a proven, three-step model to ensure patients get the best care possible:
Step 1: Eliminate the immediate pain and restore function.
Step 2: Correct the underlying issue, which may require an extended period of care, depending on the severity of the problem. Regular evaluations ensure ongoing improvement.
Step 3: Support your long-term health with a lifestyle-based plan that prevents relapses and promotes continued well-being.
This process works. It’s backed by results, and it’s designed to help you experience lasting improvements in your health.
MISTAKE #3: Going to a Chiropractor Who Adjusts Without Proper Evaluation
Many people mistakenly believe they’ll receive an adjustment on their first visit to a chiropractor. However, jumping straight into treatment without proper evaluation can be both ineffective and unsafe.
At our office, we prioritize thoroughness. Before any adjustments are made, we complete a detailed examination that includes x-rays and postural scans. This ensures we have a complete understanding of your spinal health before creating a personalized care plan.
Think of it this way: Would you expect a dentist to pull a tooth without first performing an examination? Or a doctor to conduct surgery without thoroughly understanding your condition? Your spine deserves the same level of care and attention.
Healing takes time. It’s essential to trust the process and allow your chiropractor to develop a comprehensive understanding of your health before proceeding with treatment.
MISTAKE #4: Choosing a Chiropractor Who Doesn’t Create a Care Plan
When something goes wrong with your dental health, you expect your dentist to provide a treatment plan. If you’re training for a marathon, you follow a structured program for optimal performance. The same principle applies to chiropractic care.
The best chiropractors develop a detailed care plan tailored to your unique needs. Unfortunately, not all chiropractors follow this approach, and it can lead to suboptimal results.
There are generally three types of chiropractic care plans:
- Insurance-Driven Care: The chiropractor follows your insurance guidelines, may provide only the limited number of visits or services covered.
- Symptom-Based Care: The chiropractor advises you to come in only when you feel pain, addressing the symptom but not the underlying or root cause.
- Comprehensive Care Plan: The chiropractor reviews your test results, outlines the number of visits required, and monitors your progress over time through objective testing. This ensures that your body is healing properly, not just feeling better temporarily.
For those serious about their health, the third option is the gold standard. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and choose a chiropractor who prioritizes your long-term well-being with a clear, customized care plan.
By following the guidance in this e-book, you’ll be equipped to find the right chiropractor who truly has your best interest at heart. Remember, your health is an investment, and finding the right chiropractor can be a game-changer for you and your family.
