When It Comes to Chiro, Remember C.H.I.R.O.

by Brent Hearn • 

We cover a lot of chiropractic topics in this blog. (And that’s not even including all the general health info!) Interested in learning about chiropractic considerations for older adults? We’ve got you covered. How about chiropractic for your furry friends? Done. Need to brush up on some modern chiropractic treatments? You got it!

Sometimes, though, it’s not a bad idea to get back to basics. That goes for anything in life, chiropractic knowledge included. It’s good to be reminded of a few key concepts, especially when they can pay long-term dividends for your health. 

You’re in luck because we’re offering up a handy little acrostic to do just that. Think of it as a little cheat sheet to tuck away into your mental wallet. (Or you could print this article and literally fold it into your wallet if that’s your thing—you do you.)

C – Choice

As in…you have one. As mentioned in our article Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor, it’s your body, and you have a choice in who treats it. If you’re new to chiropractic, research the chiropractors in your area. Ask your friends, coworkers, and acquaintances who they use. How do they feel about their providers’ approach to treatment? Their bedside manner? 

If you’re currently being treated and you’re not comfortable with your current chiropractor for any reason, don’t hesitate to switch providers. It’s your body, and it’s vital that you have confidence in anyone tasked with your care.

H – Holistic 

Chiropractic is about more than just regular adjustments. The adjustment is one spoke in your “wheel o’ health,” as it were, and you need to give the other spokes their due, too, if you want to take a whole-body approach to your health. (And you should definitely want that.) 

So, if you’re expecting an occasional “tune-up” at the chiropractor to make up for bad posture, poor diet, poor sleep hygiene, a lack of exercise, and…well insert any other shoddy health habit here…then you’re in for a rude awakening. In short? Your chiropractor wants to give you the treatment, tools, and knowledge to care for your whole body, so let them.

I – Intensity

If you’re not comfortable with neck “cracking” (or any other technique), just say so. Your chiropractor should work with you to help you find relief using more gentle methods within your comfort zone. Chiropractic employs a whole spectrum of techniques to bring you healing and relief, and you should feel at ease communicating your comfort level within that spectrum.

R – Realistic

What do you MEAN I can’t be completely pain-free after one visit?! Why am I even here?!

That would be the opposite of what we’re talking about when we say “realistic.” If you’re seeing a physician, it may take time to develop a course of treatment that works best for you. If you’re prescribed medication by a psychiatrist, sometimes it takes some trial and error to get the dosage right. Chiropractic is no different. Be patient with the process and give detailed feedback to your chiropractor about your progress between visits. And don’t be afraid to ask your provider what to expect.

O – Ownership

This tenet plays a hand in all the rest. It’s so important that each of us takes ownership of our bodies. To be clear, we’re not saying you’re as qualified as your chiropractor to diagnose what’s ailing you. (Disabuse yourself of the notion that you know as much as they do because you read a few articles on the internet.) 

We are saying that it’s essential that you take responsibility for the things you CAN control: maintaining an open dialogue with your chiropractor, advocating for yourself, and taking care of your body in all the ways you should be when you’re not in your provider’s office. 

Not sure exactly what “doing your part” entails? Ask! A good chiropractor will be happy to give you detailed information on how to take better care of yourself.