Questions You Should Ask a Chiropractor Before Starting Care
A Patient’s Guide to Choosing the Right Chiropractor in Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA
Presented by
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch & Northridge, California
Choosing a chiropractor should involve more than simply searching “chiropractor near me.” You should feel comfortable asking questions about your condition, examination, treatment options, safety, costs, and expected progress.
Here are important questions every patient should consider asking before beginning chiropractic care.
1. Are You a Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic?
Start with the basics. Ask about the chiropractor’s education, professional license, experience, and areas of clinical focus.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health specifically recommends asking about a chiropractor’s education and licensure before beginning treatment.
2. Have You Treated Patients With Problems Similar to Mine?
Experience with your particular type of complaint matters.
Whether you are experiencing low back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, or another musculoskeletal problem, ask:
“How often do you see patients with symptoms like mine?”
The American Chiropractic Association’s chiropractic FAQ provides additional information about conditions commonly managed by chiropractors.
3. Will You Examine Me Before You Treat Me?
A chiropractor should understand your history and evaluate your condition before deciding what treatment is appropriate.
Ask:
“What type of examination will you perform before adjusting me?”
According to MedlinePlus, an initial chiropractic visit commonly includes discussion of health history and symptoms followed by a physical examination.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe the treatment should be selected for the patient—not the patient fitted into a predetermined treatment.
4. Do I Really Need an X-Ray or MRI?
Not every patient automatically needs imaging.
A good question is:
“What would an X-ray or MRI show, and would the result actually change my treatment?”
Imaging may be appropriate in certain situations, but the decision should be based on the patient’s history, examination, symptoms, and clinical indications.
5. What Do You Think Is Causing My Pain?
This may be one of the most important questions you can ask.
Pain can involve several structures, including joints, muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves.
Ask the chiropractor to explain the findings in language you understand:
“What did you find, and how does it relate to what I’m feeling?”
You can learn more about our approach to Soft Touch Chiropractic care.
6. What Type of Chiropractic Technique Will You Use on Me?
Not every chiropractic treatment has to be the same.
Ask:
“Will you use manual manipulation, a gentler instrument-assisted adjustment, mobilization, or another technique?”
The NCCIH explanation of spinal manipulation notes that spinal manipulation can involve the hands or a device and that the amount of force can vary.
Your treatment should take into consideration your age, condition, comfort level, examination findings, and personal preferences.
7. What Are the Possible Benefits, Risks, and Side Effects?
Patients deserve an understandable explanation before treatment.
Ask:
“What benefits are reasonably expected, and what risks or temporary side effects should I know about?”
Temporary soreness, stiffness, discomfort, tiredness, or headache may occur after spinal manipulation. Serious complications have been reported but are rare. Cervical manipulation deserves particular discussion because rare cervical artery dissections and strokes have been reported, although the relationship between manipulation and these events remains debated.
You can read the federal government’s patient information about spinal manipulation safety and potential risks.
8. Are There Reasons Chiropractic Manipulation Would Not Be Appropriate for Me?
Tell your chiropractor about your complete health history, medications, previous injuries, surgeries, osteoporosis, fractures, neurological symptoms, and other significant medical conditions.
Ask:
“Is there anything in my medical history that would make a particular chiropractic technique inappropriate for me?”
NCCIH emphasizes the importance of telling practitioners about existing medical conditions because underlying health problems can affect the safety of spinal manipulation.
9. Will You Refer Me to Another Healthcare Provider If Necessary?
A chiropractor should recognize when a problem needs additional medical evaluation.
Ask:
“If you find something outside your scope of care, will you refer me to the appropriate healthcare provider?”
Chiropractic care should complement—not delay—appropriate medical evaluation when symptoms suggest a potentially serious condition.
10. How Many Visits Do You Think I Will Need—and Why?Be cautious about assuming that every patient needs exactly the same number of treatments.
Ask:
“What determines how often I need treatment, and when will you reevaluate my progress?”
NCCIH specifically recommends asking how many sessions may be needed and discussing expected costs before beginning care.
11. How Will We Know Whether Chiropractic Care Is Working?
Improvement should be evaluated by more than simply saying, “Come back next week.”
Ask:
“What changes are we looking for?”
Depending on your condition, progress might include less pain, improved movement, better function, improved tolerance for daily activities, or other measurable goals.
12. What Happens If I’m Not Improving?
This is an excellent question to ask before treatment starts.
“If I don’t improve within a reasonable period, will you change the treatment plan, reevaluate me, order appropriate testing, or refer me?”
Good healthcare requires reassessment when a patient is not responding as expected.
13. Do You Offer More Than Chiropractic Adjustments?
Some patients may benefit from a broader musculoskeletal approach.
Ask:
“Besides an adjustment, what other treatment options might be appropriate for my condition?”
Chiropractic offices may incorporate exercise, soft-tissue approaches, therapeutic modalities, mobilization, or other conservative treatments depending on the patient.
You can also explore our exercise and stretching information to learn more about movement and home care.
14. Will You Give Me Exercises or Things I Can Do at Home?
Treatment should not necessarily stop when you leave the office.
Ask:
“Is there anything I can safely do between visits to help improve my mobility, strength, posture, or function?”
For many musculoskeletal conditions, an appropriate home program can be an important part of conservative care.
15. Can You Explain My Treatment Without Using Complicated Medical Language?You should understand what is being done to your body.
Ask:
“Can you show me what you found and explain why you recommend this treatment?”
If you don’t understand something, keep asking questions. Informed patients are better prepared to participate in decisions about their care.
16. What Will My Treatment Cost?
Financial questions are healthcare questions too.
Before beginning a treatment plan, ask:
“What does each visit cost? Are there additional charges for therapies, examinations, imaging, or other services?”
Patients should have a reasonable understanding of anticipated costs before agreeing to ongoing care.
17. Do I Have Choices About the Type of Adjustment I Receive?
Yes—this is worth discussing.
Some patients prefer traditional manual manipulation, while others may prefer a lower-force or instrument-assisted approach.
Ask:
“If I’m uncomfortable with a certain technique, what alternatives can you offer?”
Your preferences and comfort should be part of the treatment conversation.
18. What Symptoms Should Make Me Seek Immediate Medical Attention?Finally, ask your chiropractor:
“Are there warning signs that mean I should stop treatment and seek urgent medical care?”
New or rapidly worsening weakness, major neurological changes, loss of bowel or bladder control, severe unexplained symptoms, or other concerning findings may require prompt medical evaluation rather than routine chiropractic treatment.
The Best Chiropractor Should Welcome Your Questions
A good chiropractor should not be bothered by thoughtful questions.
Patients should understand:
Looking for a Chiropractor in Porter Ranch or Northridge?If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, sciatica, posture-related discomfort, or another musculoskeletal problem, we welcome your questions.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe patients should understand their care before making decisions about treatment.
Have Questions Before Scheduling?
Learn more about Soft Touch Chiropractic, explore our chiropractic website, or contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to discuss your concerns.
Soft Touch Chiropractic
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Serving Porter Ranch, Northridge & the San Fernando Valley, California
Presented by
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch & Northridge, California
Choosing a chiropractor should involve more than simply searching “chiropractor near me.” You should feel comfortable asking questions about your condition, examination, treatment options, safety, costs, and expected progress.
Here are important questions every patient should consider asking before beginning chiropractic care.
1. Are You a Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic?
Start with the basics. Ask about the chiropractor’s education, professional license, experience, and areas of clinical focus.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health specifically recommends asking about a chiropractor’s education and licensure before beginning treatment.
2. Have You Treated Patients With Problems Similar to Mine?
Experience with your particular type of complaint matters.
Whether you are experiencing low back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, or another musculoskeletal problem, ask:
“How often do you see patients with symptoms like mine?”
The American Chiropractic Association’s chiropractic FAQ provides additional information about conditions commonly managed by chiropractors.
3. Will You Examine Me Before You Treat Me?
A chiropractor should understand your history and evaluate your condition before deciding what treatment is appropriate.
Ask:
“What type of examination will you perform before adjusting me?”
According to MedlinePlus, an initial chiropractic visit commonly includes discussion of health history and symptoms followed by a physical examination.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe the treatment should be selected for the patient—not the patient fitted into a predetermined treatment.
4. Do I Really Need an X-Ray or MRI?
Not every patient automatically needs imaging.
A good question is:
“What would an X-ray or MRI show, and would the result actually change my treatment?”
Imaging may be appropriate in certain situations, but the decision should be based on the patient’s history, examination, symptoms, and clinical indications.
5. What Do You Think Is Causing My Pain?
This may be one of the most important questions you can ask.
Pain can involve several structures, including joints, muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves.
Ask the chiropractor to explain the findings in language you understand:
“What did you find, and how does it relate to what I’m feeling?”
You can learn more about our approach to Soft Touch Chiropractic care.
6. What Type of Chiropractic Technique Will You Use on Me?
Not every chiropractic treatment has to be the same.
Ask:
“Will you use manual manipulation, a gentler instrument-assisted adjustment, mobilization, or another technique?”
The NCCIH explanation of spinal manipulation notes that spinal manipulation can involve the hands or a device and that the amount of force can vary.
Your treatment should take into consideration your age, condition, comfort level, examination findings, and personal preferences.
7. What Are the Possible Benefits, Risks, and Side Effects?
Patients deserve an understandable explanation before treatment.
Ask:
“What benefits are reasonably expected, and what risks or temporary side effects should I know about?”
Temporary soreness, stiffness, discomfort, tiredness, or headache may occur after spinal manipulation. Serious complications have been reported but are rare. Cervical manipulation deserves particular discussion because rare cervical artery dissections and strokes have been reported, although the relationship between manipulation and these events remains debated.
You can read the federal government’s patient information about spinal manipulation safety and potential risks.
8. Are There Reasons Chiropractic Manipulation Would Not Be Appropriate for Me?
Tell your chiropractor about your complete health history, medications, previous injuries, surgeries, osteoporosis, fractures, neurological symptoms, and other significant medical conditions.
Ask:
“Is there anything in my medical history that would make a particular chiropractic technique inappropriate for me?”
NCCIH emphasizes the importance of telling practitioners about existing medical conditions because underlying health problems can affect the safety of spinal manipulation.
9. Will You Refer Me to Another Healthcare Provider If Necessary?
A chiropractor should recognize when a problem needs additional medical evaluation.
Ask:
“If you find something outside your scope of care, will you refer me to the appropriate healthcare provider?”
Chiropractic care should complement—not delay—appropriate medical evaluation when symptoms suggest a potentially serious condition.
10. How Many Visits Do You Think I Will Need—and Why?Be cautious about assuming that every patient needs exactly the same number of treatments.
Ask:
“What determines how often I need treatment, and when will you reevaluate my progress?”
NCCIH specifically recommends asking how many sessions may be needed and discussing expected costs before beginning care.
11. How Will We Know Whether Chiropractic Care Is Working?
Improvement should be evaluated by more than simply saying, “Come back next week.”
Ask:
“What changes are we looking for?”
Depending on your condition, progress might include less pain, improved movement, better function, improved tolerance for daily activities, or other measurable goals.
12. What Happens If I’m Not Improving?
This is an excellent question to ask before treatment starts.
“If I don’t improve within a reasonable period, will you change the treatment plan, reevaluate me, order appropriate testing, or refer me?”
Good healthcare requires reassessment when a patient is not responding as expected.
13. Do You Offer More Than Chiropractic Adjustments?
Some patients may benefit from a broader musculoskeletal approach.
Ask:
“Besides an adjustment, what other treatment options might be appropriate for my condition?”
Chiropractic offices may incorporate exercise, soft-tissue approaches, therapeutic modalities, mobilization, or other conservative treatments depending on the patient.
You can also explore our exercise and stretching information to learn more about movement and home care.
14. Will You Give Me Exercises or Things I Can Do at Home?
Treatment should not necessarily stop when you leave the office.
Ask:
“Is there anything I can safely do between visits to help improve my mobility, strength, posture, or function?”
For many musculoskeletal conditions, an appropriate home program can be an important part of conservative care.
15. Can You Explain My Treatment Without Using Complicated Medical Language?You should understand what is being done to your body.
Ask:
“Can you show me what you found and explain why you recommend this treatment?”
If you don’t understand something, keep asking questions. Informed patients are better prepared to participate in decisions about their care.
16. What Will My Treatment Cost?
Financial questions are healthcare questions too.
Before beginning a treatment plan, ask:
“What does each visit cost? Are there additional charges for therapies, examinations, imaging, or other services?”
Patients should have a reasonable understanding of anticipated costs before agreeing to ongoing care.
17. Do I Have Choices About the Type of Adjustment I Receive?
Yes—this is worth discussing.
Some patients prefer traditional manual manipulation, while others may prefer a lower-force or instrument-assisted approach.
Ask:
“If I’m uncomfortable with a certain technique, what alternatives can you offer?”
Your preferences and comfort should be part of the treatment conversation.
18. What Symptoms Should Make Me Seek Immediate Medical Attention?Finally, ask your chiropractor:
“Are there warning signs that mean I should stop treatment and seek urgent medical care?”
New or rapidly worsening weakness, major neurological changes, loss of bowel or bladder control, severe unexplained symptoms, or other concerning findings may require prompt medical evaluation rather than routine chiropractic treatment.
The Best Chiropractor Should Welcome Your Questions
A good chiropractor should not be bothered by thoughtful questions.
Patients should understand:
- What the chiropractor found
- Why treatment is being recommended
- What treatment will involve
- What alternatives are available
- Potential benefits and risks
- How progress will be measured
- What the treatment may cost
- When referral or additional evaluation may be appropriate
Looking for a Chiropractor in Porter Ranch or Northridge?If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, sciatica, posture-related discomfort, or another musculoskeletal problem, we welcome your questions.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe patients should understand their care before making decisions about treatment.
Have Questions Before Scheduling?
Learn more about Soft Touch Chiropractic, explore our chiropractic website, or contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to discuss your concerns.
Soft Touch Chiropractic
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Serving Porter Ranch, Northridge & the San Fernando Valley, California
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