Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Chiropractor

By Dr. Daniel Gifeisman, DC | Empower Sport and Spine

---

Finding the right chiropractor can make all the difference in your recovery, performance, and long-term health. Unfortunately, not all providers practice with the same standards. Some common warning signs may indicate a chiropractor is more focused on sales than your well-being.

---

Excellent listening and communication during an initial evaluation!

🚩 1. Aggressive Sales Tactics or Excessive Treatment Plans

Be cautious of offices that push long-term care plans right away, especially those recommending 30+ visits before understanding your goals or tracking your progress, this a red flag for a chiropractor. A good provider should emphasize patients over profits and never use fear-based “nocebo” language or pseudo-scientific explanations to pressure you into care.

✅ What we do: We offer treatment plans ranging from 6 to 20 visits based on your individual goals and condition. Different people and conditions require different timelines. We tailor care to you and adjust based on your progress. Our mission is to demystify musculoskeletal care and help you put your imaging and symptoms in proper context to EMPOWER (wink wink) you to take ownership of your body.

---

🚩 2. Lack of Informed Consent

You should always know what’s being done to your body and why. If a provider doesn’t explain procedures, risks, options, or take time to answer your questions, that’s a red flag.

✅ What we do: Many therapies may be effective depending on your diagnosis. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose what feels right, with full transparency and shared decision-making.

---

🚩 3. Poor Transparency or Questionable Qualifications

It’s important to know who you’re working with. A reputable chiropractor will be upfront about their education, credentials, and experience. If they avoid or dodge these questions, consider it a warning sign.

✅ What we do: We’re proud of our qualifications and always happy to share our background, training, and professional interests. Just ask!

---

🚩 4. Over-Reliance on X-rays

Imaging can be useful, but routine X-rays for every new patient without clinical indication is not evidence-based care. Be wary of providers who use X-rays to “prove” the need for ongoing treatment or draw confusing diagrams that make you feel broken.

✅ What we do: We order imaging only when it’s clinically appropriate , to rule out serious conditions or when your progress isn’t where we’d expect. We never use it to scare you or upsell you.

---

🚩 5. No Follow-Up or Progress Tracking

A good provider checks in regularly on your progress. If you’re getting the same treatment every visit with no discussion or reassessment, your care may not be personalized.

✅ What we do: We actively track your progress and response to treatment. If you’re not hitting your goals, we reassess, whether it means adjusting your care or shifting the timeline.

---

🚩 6. “In-and-Out” or “Mill” Style Clinics

Some clinics run like assembly lines, giving the same adjustment to everyone, with no time for questions, and little to no rehab or education. You deserve more than a 5-minute cookie-cutter experience.

✅ What we do: Every session is 1-on-1 with your doctor for a full hour. We prioritize education and communication, because when you understand your diagnosis, you’re more likely to stay engaged and recover faster.

---

🚩 7. Adjustment-Only Treatment

Adjustments are powerful, but they’re just one tool. If your provider isn’t also addressing soft tissue, movement, rehab, or your understanding of the issue, your care may be incomplete.

✅ What we do: Our multimodal approach includes adjustments, myofascial work, patient education, and rehab strategies. We take your whole history and experience into account and customize care to fit you, not the other way around.

---

🚩 8. Overpromising Results or Treating Non-Musculoskeletal Issues

Be skeptical of claims to “cure” conditions like asthma, allergies, or digestive issues through chiropractic alone. While the nervous system plays a role in health, credible providers don’t overstep what the evidence supports.

✅ What we do: The evidence is clear, chiropractic care cannot reliably treat organ or systemic issues. We never use unsupported claims to attract patients. If we suspect a non-musculoskeletal issue, we’ll refer you to the right provider and help coordinate your care.

---

🚩 9. Undermining Other Healthcare Providers

It’s unethical and sometimes unsafe for a chiropractor to override another provider’s plan without communication. Care should be collaborative, not competitive.

✅ What we do: If we notice something concerning or believe your current plan needs adjusting, we reach out to the prescribing provider first. Because we often see our patients more frequently than other doctors, we can offer helpful updates to your care team. That’s a win for everyone, especially you.

---

Final Thoughts on Red Flags for a Chiropractor

The right chiropractor should listen to you, focus on your goals, and deliver care that’s individualized, evidence-informed, and empowering. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You always have the right to ask questions, get a second opinion, or walk away.

Looking for a chiropractor who puts you first? Let’s talk. We’re here to help.

If you have other questions, make sure to check out our FAQ page.