According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 8 out of 10 Canadians will suffer from low back pain at some time in their lives. A critical part of alleviating back pain, as well as improving and maintaining health, is to find the right care. Many people look to back pain clinics for relief, but keep in mind that not all are created equally. While there are many factors to consider in choosing a back pain clinic, there are the elements every successful clinic should have:
- Outstanding and Motivated Doctor and Staff
- A Doctor Who Offers A Non-Surgical, Drug-Free Approach With Lasting Results
- World Class Technology
- Encouragement to Be An Active Partner
- Comprehensive, Holistic Approach
- Excellent Follow-Up Care
Outstanding and Motivated Doctor and Staff
First, look for top-notch staff. In addition to solid professional credentials and experience, the staff should make patients feel comfortable and at ease and should treat each patient as an individual.
The doctor should have a track record of success and patients who can verify that record. Ask for testimonials, and letters of thanks and endorsement.
Ask how many times the doctor has performed a particular procedure and what is the success rate. Don’t be shy about asking about the risks and benefits, too. The doctor’s prime concern should be identifying and healing the root cause of the problem, rather than working to treat only the symptoms.
See if the doctor who has published articles in the area of his expertise. Is the doctor a recognized and respected authority? Does the doctor participate in continuing education? Back pain treatment is an ever-changing field, and new methods and approaches are being developed. An excellent doctor continues to gain knowledge, so that patients can receive the best care.
A Doctor Who Offers A Non-Surgical, Drug-Free Approach With Lasting Results
People today are growing tired of the risks and side-effects associated with medications, narcotics, and also with the dangers of surgery. Some back clinics have success achieving lasting pain-free results without the use of drugs or surgery. Before embarking on treatments with limited results, side effects, or risks, seek out back pain clinics that offer targeted, non-invasive, drug-free treatment.
World Class Technology
An excellent back clinic should tap into available advanced technology to enhance the art of healing. Today there are a number of high-tech methodologies that can maximize pain relief and healing, including Class IV Laser Therapy. Speak to the personnel at the clinic about the equipment they use, as well as the results they have gotten. Try to find a back pain clinic that embraces the latest technology and methods to help each patient heal in the shortest time possible.
A doctor who is ahead of the curve technologically is likely to offer the latest in treatment and rapid healing. Find out if the doctor has developed any unique methods, systems or supportive products to enhance successful outcomes. In other words, look for a doctor who embraces innovative thinking and methods, as well as breakthrough technologies, as a leader, instead of a follower.
Encouragement to Be An Active Partner
The ideal situation is when a healthcare provider encourages patients to become active partners in managing their own health care. By engaging the patients in their recovery, a medical provider can help patients to learn to partner in the recovery process to leverage successful healing. The back pain clinic should be patient-centric and create care programs to meet the unique needs of each patient. A clinic that adapts its care to the individual needs is much better than one which has a “one size fits all” approach. The doctor must be a great communicator who can clearly explain to patients the nature of their problems, the solutions, and how he or she will help you recover.
Comprehensive Holistic Approach
The back pain clinic should exhibit a holistic approach to recovery—using an appropriate multi-pronged approach. A successful care programs will integrate individualized supportive rehabilitation, such as exercises, ongoing assessments, and nutritional support.
Excellent Follow-Up Care
Post-care follow-up is just as important as initial treatment and recovery. Look for a back pain clinic that provides ongoing non-invasive, high-tech exams to fine-tune care and enhance results. An excellent back clinic will follow patients beyond treatment to ensure that healing is complete.
Back Clinics of Canada (BCOC) offers everything from routine care to advanced technology treatments and procedures. BCOC offers a full range of treatments, including Class IV Laser Therapy and Spinal Decompression. If you have questions or need more information, call Back Clinics of Canada’s helpful staff at 416-633-3666.
