First, examine your reasons for not liking him or her.  Be sure you have a good reason.  As previously stated, chiropractic care has many benefits.  It is usually less intimating than traditional medical care, but some still find it overwhelming.  Don’t let your fear of seeking treatment mistakenly translate into dislike for your care provider. 

As stated above, you should have a legitimate reason for not liking your chiropractor.  Two good examples include blame and not listening.  Do you need to constantly discuss your pain with your chiropractor?  Are they not listening to your explanation of trigger factors or answering your questions?  You should not need to constantly repeat yourself.  Yes, chiropractors do see many patients, but your medical history is recorded or at least it should be.

As for blame, this is common with parents.  Has your child been suffering from lower back pain for years?  Poor posture or a heavy backpack may be to blame.  At first, you may have written off your child’s pain and discomfort as normal growing pains.  As the pains continued to get worse or increased in frequency, you may have visited a local chiropractor.  You thought you were doing good, but the chiropractor criticized you for waiting so long.  This should not happen.  In terms of chiropractic care, early is best, but better late than never.

So, what should you do if you truly do not like your chiropractor?

Voice your concerns.  A problem cannot be corrected if it isn’t first addressed.  Unfortunately, this can be difficult for some.  Most chiropractors run their own businesses, meaning they are the boss.  You have to voice your concerns directly to the individual who irritates you or makes you uncomfortable.  Do it.  Most chiropractors have great people skills, but not all do.  If yours unintentionally offended you, he or she will try to rectify the problem and prevent it from happening again.

Find a new chiropractor.  If you fear discussing your concerns with your chiropractor or do and do not see any changes, it may be time to find a new doctor.  If covered by health insurance, contact your insurance provider to get a list of chiropractic care centers in your area.  Research your options and read reviews online.  Ask those that you know for suggestions.  You will have to start again and redo all paperwork, undergo new evaluations, and decide on a new course of treatment, but you should get a new doctor that you feel more comfortable with.

Now that you know what to do if you don’t like your chiropractor, what should you not do?

Don’t stop seeking care.  Not all chiropractors are the same.  One may blame you for not seeking care immediately, but most will not mention a word.  In fact, some will comment that it is better late then never.  Some chiropractors will remember every word you say and others will seem like they could care less.  Just because you may get “one bad apple,” don’t give up on this beneficial care.

Do not stop showing up for your appointments.  For continued care, appointments are scheduled in advance.  You may already have two or three appointments scheduled.  If you want to change providers, do it.  Cancel all appointments first.  If you don’t, you may be charged for them anyways.

In conclusion, not all chiropractors are the same. A healthy relationship with yours is important to successful treatment.  If you are dissatisfied with the treatment received, voice your concerns or find a new provider.  If at any point you feel in danger or harassed by your provider, contact the authorities or the American Chiropractic Association (ASA).