Your chiropractor should have a degree that presents him or her as a doctor licensed to practice chiropractics. He or she should have evidence of passing the National Board Exams and being licensed in the state.
What objective measurement tools do you use in your practice?
Make sure the chiropractor uses x-rays, ultra sound machines and para-spinal digital infrared-imaging tools. The chiropractor needs to be able to identify fractures, skeletal misalignments and see if the spinal cord or nervous system is responding to treatments. A good chiropractor will use technology to assist him or her in both diagnosis and treatment, using these objective tools to recognize process or the lack thereof.
How will you determine how many treatments I will need?
The chiropractor should have some sort of way of telling if you are improving or not-more so than if you are feeling better. Ask what kind of progress he or she looks for and how he or she measures it. Ask how many treatments it takes a typical person with your same condition. He or she should be able to give you an estimate.
What kind of preventative care do you provide?
You want to choose a chiropractor who is invested in helping you prevent future injuries or misalignments and one who invests in teaching you preventative care such as helpful stretches, exercises or dietary or lifestyle changes. Look for someone who does not just treat the symptoms, but tries to improve your overall health and help you live in a more healthful manner.
WARNING SIGNS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES
Some chiropractic techniques may be questionable. A patient should question the technique if they hear of the following:
Chiropractor claims to be the only one with a special new chiropractor technique
Chiropractor claims to have the ability to cure various conditions. (diabetes, cancer, or some other long-term condition)
Chiropractor recommends a long-term treatment plan
Unrealistic Forecasting (Ex. Chiropractic adjustment 3 times per week for 6 to 12 weeks, then 2 times per week for another 6-12 months, then 1 time per week for 6 or more months)