If you’re familiar with chiropractic care, you know the many benefits it offers for eliminating chronic pain and helping to facilitate ease of movement. Proper body alignment is essential for optimal functionality.

If you’ve never tried chiropractic care for chronic low back or neck pain or help in recovering from injury, you might be curious how to find the best one for you. There are a number of things to consider.

Along with ensuring your potential practitioner has a Doctor of Chiropractic designation and all necessary certifications for any therapies offered, you might be surprised to learn that one of the most important factors in your choice is your proximity to his or her office.

That’s because while may be willing to long haul it to your once-a-year physical or your milestone health screening, chiropractic care is different and often involves a series of graduated treatments to get lasting relief.  So the first thing you should do is an online search for a “chiropractor near me.” 

Depending on where you live or work, “near” may be relative, but it needs to be a reasonably convenient commute especially if riding in the car is uncomfortable.

Why Multiple Visits?

Contrary to what some believe, this is not just a ploy to keep patients coming back.  When you have a back or neck injury, it often involves a multi-phase treatment plan that addresses not only pain relief, but also correction of the problem and maintenance of alignment.

Because many patients are often in serious discomfort when they come in, a chiropractor’s first priority is to reduce the level of pain.  While you will likely feel some relief after the first visit, it doesn’t mean the problem is solved.

Unlike a conventional doctor who may prescribe pain meds and rest that provide temporary relief, chiropractic treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause of the pain — and this can take some time when you’re working with the neck and spine.

That’s because the complex structures supporting and surrounding the spine have gotten comfortable in their uncomfortable positions. It may have taken several years of poor posture, bad sleeping positions, improper sports technique or incomplete healing after injury to reach the point of chronic pain.  Likewise, these structures may take some coaxing over time to be convinced to remain in their proper realigned places.

When your chiropractor is nearby, it is easier to stick to your treatment plan, which may be two to three visits per week at first, followed by once-weekly sessions and, later, monthly maintenance appointments until complete healing is achieved.  Duration and frequency of treatment is entirely dependent upon the type and severity of each individual’s issue.

What Do Others Say?

Patient testimonials can also be helpful in choosing a chiropractor.  There is no stronger recommendation than that from someone who has experienced lasting relief from chronic pain.

“I didn’t think there was anything that could help my symptoms.  I feel like a new woman.  I am back at work.” B. Lewis R.N.

“I am very busy, so driving across town for appointments wasn’t possible.  Dr. Ulery is not only an excellent chiropractor near me, he offers plenty of front-row parking, so getting to, in and out of his office was easy. It helped me stick to plan and get back to pain-free fast.” K.C.

To begin your quest for a chiropractor, do an online search for “chiropractor near me” to find options close to your home or office, whichever is better.  Once you narrow it down by proximity, dive deeper into the practice website for patient testimonials.

Many chiropractors will even do a consult visit, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere of the office.  A chiropractic office should be welcoming and accommodating with a staff openly centered around patient care.

Whole Body Health is known for having the most highly trusted chiropractic team in Austin. Trained with both traditional and modern approaches to wellness, we are absolutely dedicated to your lasting recovery and relief.  Contact us today!