Most Chiropractors are NOT someone you want to see

In this blog, I discuss chiropractors and why I have an issue with most of them. I also delve into what qualities to seek in a chiropractor and highlight critical warning signs that SHOULD prompt you to seek alternatives. While I do not generalize my dislike towards all chiropractors, I am particularly critical of those who provide a standardized treatment approach without assessing individual needs or prescribing tailored exercises.

In Jacksonville, Florida, I have two trusted friends, Adam Crosby and Amy Bernstein, who are exceptional chiropractors—individuals I occasionally visit. They stand out because they take the time to assess each patient’s unique situation and tailor their treatments accordingly. They are not the cookie-cutter chiros who do the “big eight cracks” and then send you on your way with a bit of a feel-good analgesic response that later fades into pain. 

My primary concern with many chiropractors stems from their tendency to allocate minimal time per session, typically 15-20 minutes (5 minutes or so usually), focusing mainly on adjustments before swiftly moving on to the next client. This rushed approach often needs to pay more attention to comprehensive assessments such as reviewing MRI scans or understanding the specific issues affecting the patient. Their priority is maximizing their client throughput rather than ensuring quality care. Don’t believe me? If you can, take a peak at the schedule of patients on their screens. You will see patients scheduled anywhere from 5-10 every hour, on the hour at times, much like a Medical doctor.

Red Flags to Watch Out For!

A significant red flag is when a chiropractor fails to conduct a thorough assessment. I’ve done enough videos and content on what an assessment needs to include, and they take time; ours are 2-4 hours. We must understand where this particular person is on the pain/damage cascade, where they want to go vs where they are, etc. There is much to discuss during an interview or a proper assessment; many people have never been asked to share their stories. All they have had is bad experiences with “know-it-all” practitioners who can’t wait for them to shut up so they can move on to the next patient. I know; I hear this every single day in my practice. Watch this video for more on assessments.

During a Gift of Injury course we taught in 2019, Prof McGill fielded questions about the “3-hour assessment,” and one chiropractor had a question. He was concerned this new information and approach would destroy his business model of 5+ patients per hour; he didn’t think he could afford to offer this new information and service to his clients. His response has stuck with me, as he said matter-of-factly, “You can’t afford not to provide this. What is your current success rate with back-injured patients?” The chiropractor was disheartened and had no reply. 

Another warning sign is their insistence on selling weekly or monthly treatment packages. These plans often lock patients into frequent visits, purportedly to manage pain but primarily to generate revenue. However, this approach needs to address the underlying causes of discomfort and can exacerbate certain conditions, mainly if manipulations are applied indiscriminately without regard to the patient’s unique pain triggers or injury specifics.

Chiropractic care may benefit individuals experiencing localized muscle-related spinal pain by providing temporary relief through joint manipulations. However, it’s crucial to recognize that such treatments are akin to band-aids and do not address the root causes of pain. Conversely, if you suffer from radicular pain—manifesting as pain radiating from the back down to the glute or leg—chiropractic adjustments can potentially worsen the condition or introduce new complications.

When applied judiciously, chiropractic treatment can be a valuable component of a recovery plan. To discern competent practitioners from those potentially offering inadequate care, I recommend reading books like “Back Mechanic” and “Gift of Injury.” These resources outline proper assessment methodologies and empower individuals to manage their pain effectively.

Suppose your chiropractor suggests a routine plan without tailoring exercises to your specific needs, spends minimal time on adjustments or needs more comprehension of your injury. In that case, seeking alternative care from a more qualified clinician may be prudent. For a more detailed exploration of this topic, I invite you to watch the full-length video in this blog, where I expand on what to look for in chiropractic care and the pitfalls associated with substandard practices. Stay tuned for more concerning the broken medical industrial complex and my experiences with clients and myself! 

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

Back Injured Average Mary or Joe who wants their life back

Back Injured Athlete Wanting to Return to Sport

Lift and exercise coaching & cueing to troubleshoot form

Program adherence & accountability coaching