In my over 20 years as a Chiropractor in the Houston, Texas area, I've come upon many secrets to eliminating many kinds of pain - headaches, migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, leg pain - you get the concept. And recently, through my affiliation with over 250 other clinics (via an organization called HealthSource Chiropractic), I have documented a checklist of the 7 Key Evaluation Criteria that you need to be aware of. So take this article and review the checklist with your Chiropractor - your getting out of pain is dependant it! So let's start with the SEVEN POINT CHECKLIST:1) Get A Background CheckEven if your pain is so bad that you just want to try anything, your Chiropractor must always take the time to perform a complete muscular/orthopedic/neurological examination so that he/she knows exactly how best to treat you. In addition, full spinal x-rays and a surface EMG scan should be used to reveal hidden issues. Since pain in one area is often related to problems elsewhere, a broad investigation is the best start to removing your pain.2) Make Sure You Get The Full ScoopYour Chiropractor should present the findings of his/her analysis and the rationale behind the recommended treatment plan, explaining exactly where the problem is and how the proposed treatment program will help. This review should never occur on the same visit as your x-rays & scan - otherwise, the Chiropractor would have no time to analyze your results and develop a treatment plan designed to your specific needs. There is no "one size fits all" program!3) Force the Chiropractor to Set ExpectationsFor any treatment program recommended, the Chiropractor should be able to explain what results are expected - and in what time frame! Many Chiropractors will try to sidestep this, but if your Chiropractor has sufficient experience, he or she should normally be able to project what progress can be expected, and within what time span. So put your Chiropractor on the hot seat! And while you're at it, ask for a copy of the treatment plan and costs in writing, together with the clinic financial policy so that there is no misunderstanding later.4) Make Sure You Get Routine QuestioningAs you stop in for treatments, it is extremely important that the Chiropractor knows how you are progressing or if there are any new issues that should be evaluated. Your Chiropractor should therefore have a standard process for you to communicate progress or new issues to him or her as part of each visit. Additionally, the Chiropractor should also be available for private consultation at any time throughout your treatment program - and with no extra cost - so that you can discuss your concerns, ask questions or share new information.5) Never Settle for Only The Chiropractic AdjustmentChiropractic manipulation alone may never make your pain go away. Every bone in your spine is connected to one or more muscles, so even if your Chiropractor can bring immediate pain relief by adjustment of your spine, those vertebrae may slide right back into the wrong place as soon as you stand up, get in your car or get home. Your treatment plan should therefore include exercise and physical rehab to help your vertebrae hold the adjustment. This is the best way to eradicate your pain for good. 6) Get a Periodic UpdateIn order to ensure that you get the return expected on your chiropractic investment, your Chiropractor should complete an periodic examination once a month and/or every 12-15 visits, for the duration of your treatment program. Otherwise, how can you know if you are getting better? This exam should focus on your specific issues, but also include additional review of the rest of your spine as well. The exam should include a neuromuscular scan to affirm progress and show changes (good or bad) in other areas up and down your spine. As before, the Chiropractor should meet with you to present these results and discuss progress as compared to the original and/or prior findings.7) Let There Be WitnessesEvery successful Chiropractor should have helped many others get better and stay out of pain. And for this, people are grateful (as you soon should be as well). Therefore, your Chiropractor should be able to provide you with glowing reference letters and/or testimonies of people - in similar situations as yours - who have already been helped. You cannot evaluate a Chiropractor by an advert, the style of clinic, friendly clinic personnel or even shiny equipment on hand. Only verified results speak the truth! So be sure to ask for these.NEVER be shy about asking your Chiropractor about any of these items - he or she should welcome the fact that you have done your research!And finally, if you review these simple seven checklist items with your Chiropractor then you should have every confidence that he or she can help you get out of pain too - Forever!