Is my chiropractor just after money?
by SJ
(USA)
How do I know if my chiropractor actually wants to correct my condition or at least improve my symptoms long term, or just relieve my pain temporarily so that I keep coming back and paying him money?
I realize no one is perfect, but I would much appreciate if you could suggest what might be red flags and what a good chiro might do differently.
Hello again SJ,
That's difficult question to answer. No doctor is entirely altruistic unless your name is in the league of Albert Schweitzer. We all have to rent to pay and families to feed.
Part of the answer lies in understanding that not many conditions can be 'cured'; fixed so they go away completely for ever; medical or chiropractor. Many conditions, perhaps most, respond better to some form of ongoing treatment. Much of that should be done by you yourself.
To what extent is your chiropractor encouraging you to help yourself? Is he demanding that your do back exercises? Is he asking you to walk or swim?
To what extent can you see he is thinking? Is he asking about your bed, and your chair? Has he checked your leg length to see if you have an anatomical short leg?
Is it a quick in and out? Do you feel he at least does some cursory examination at each visit? Does he make notes of your progress and his findings at each visit?
Follow your gut feel. I hope this helps in some small way.
Dr B