A chiropractor is a medical professional specializing in treating the spine and musculoskeletal system. They treat injuries, pain, and discomfort by manually adjusting the spine and joints to alleviate problems in the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. They are highly educated, have spent four years in school learning to perform manual spinal adjustments, and must pass state exams to get licensed. They also continue their education throughout the year, keeping current with current treatments, participating in wellness outreach programs, and working on a chiropractic college’s on-site clinic.
Listening Skills
Chiropractors must have intense listening skills as they work with patients who are often in pain. They should be able to listen and interpret their patients’ comments, concerns, and needs to provide them with the best possible care. A good chiropractor such as Brad Kern will also take the time to thoroughly assess their patients’ health before starting any treatment. This may include reviewing X-rays, asking questions about their symptoms, and conducting a physical examination. They will then explain their strategy for treating the patient and will answer any questions they may have. It’s also a good idea to look for a chiropractor who is passionate about their career. This will help them to stay motivated and focused on providing the best possible treatment to their patients.
Flexibility
Having a suitable bedside manner is one thing, but if you can feel your chiropractor is flexible with their approach to your pain, that’s even better. They should be able to accommodate your treatment preferences without judging you for them. A great chiropractor will be sensitive to your needs and consistently ask you about your pain levels throughout treatment. They will never pressure you into getting unnecessary X-rays or sell supplements that won’t help your condition. This seems like an unmistakable quality to look for, but it’s essential to find someone passionate about their work. When they love what they do, they’ll focus more on you and treat you as more than just another patient. That’s a winning combination!
Experience
While it may seem like a chiropractor is on every corner these days, not all of them are the same. It would be best if you looked for one with licensure, extensive training both in the classroom and hands-on, and being committed to continuing education. When evaluating your options, ask the doctor how many years they have been practicing chiropractic and how much experience they have treating your specific condition. The more experienced a chiropractor is, the better results you will see. Also, be sure to find out if they have any malpractice claims against them. This is important so you can feel confident they are safe practitioners. Additionally, they should be willing to explain the treatment process to you and answer any questions.
Knowledge
A reputable chiropractor will know extensively about the nervous, spine, nutrition, exercise, movement, and muscular systems. These professionals enjoy learning and keeping up with the latest research and techniques. They will also be able to explain all aspects of their treatment processes and why they use specific treatments. This helps patients feel at ease and gives them a clear understanding of what to expect.
Compassion
Some chiropractors seem empathetic, love their job, and bring great patient results. Others, however, may be just the opposite. Compassion is a quality that comes from a desire to relieve another’s suffering. Merriam-Webster explains that compassion is an emotion characterized by empathy, but it goes beyond sympathy, as it includes “an appreciation of other human beings as real people who suffer.” This quality helps chiropractors assess patients’ needs and create a treatment plan accordingly. It also ensures they don’t use unnecessary techniques for the patient’s condition. This helps build trust and improve recovery outcomes. In addition to listening skills, a good chiropractor will consider a patient’s diet, lifestyle, home environment, work, and spiritual health to create an individualized treatment plan.