by Hank Finkel

It’s always the right time to find a chiropractor, just as with dentists or any other practitioners we may need in a personal crisis. It is recommended to read reviews of potential doctors rather than choose one based on their availability in a painful emergency situation. It is better to get to know the doctor, staff and procedures in a relaxed, friendly state to make reasoned decisions instead of waiting until a crisis. The doctor can get to know what’s "normal" for each patient— their responsiveness, preferences, etc.—and offer paradigm-shifting, proactive health care.

Babies need to get checked after months of immobility and possible birth trauma. This includes C-section births and certainly any time forceps are employed during delivery. Kids need regular chiropractic checkups. The rapid rate of growth, combined with frequent falls and rough play, lead to spinal misalignments and spinal joint restrictions. Teens need regular chiropractic adjustments due to the long hours of sitting in class and the extremely heavy and poorly packed book bags they are required to carry. This is also the age where many begin to take sports seriously, with long hours of intense training, repetitive motions and frequent bodily contact. Adults need care primary for repetitive motions and habits such as sitting six to eight hours a day in the same one or two chairs. Worn-out mattresses and old injuries may flare up.

Think of chiropractic care as either proactive or reactive. It’s more of a glamorized vitamin than a glorified ibuprofen, done on a regular, proactive scheduled routine to advance their health.

A chiropractor should fit the lifestyle and needs of a high level athlete or a holistic lifestyle. There are chiropractors practicing a wide variety of techniques from no-force energy work through low force mobilization, up to full conventional, diversified adjustment techniques. Some involve specially designed tables, others use adjusting devises and many still just use their hands.

For someone involved in a car or work accident, chiropractic care is a viable treatment option and covered by both auto and workers compensation insurance—ask the family doctor, friends, an attorney, human resources department or insurance adjuster.

Some chiropractors adjust on the first visit, but others do not. Some are big on patient education as to how chiropractic works, others less so. Some will require a contract to improve commitment and compliance, while others may simply remain episodic and as needed. Chiropractic is a big umbrella, and consumers should ask around and do a little online research to find the right chiropractor.