In our current state of dizzying options as consumers of today it is easy to get lost in the marketplace that is our world.

Whether we are purchasing groceries, collectibles or a guitar, or voting with our dollars by choosing a chiropractor, there are important things a good consumer must look for and look out for.

This column will outline the purpose of chiropractors and illustrate what patients should require of their current or future doctor of chiropractic.

Chiropractors are health care practitioners who specialize primarily in the care of the spine and its joints.

Chiropractors have doctorate-level educations similar to that of dentists, veterinarians, optometrists or medical doctor. What all of these programs have in common is the heavy emphasis (the first two years or so) on the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, to name a few. Where these diverge is in the latter stages when each respective profession moves its students from theoretical learning to hands-on, practically applied skills.

Who goes to a chiropractor? Chiropractors treat patients ranging from children to the elderly, and athletes to couch potatoes. Many professional sports teams have a staff chiropractor. The most common condition treated is low back pain. Other common conditions include neck pain, headaches, numbness/tingling, as well as dysfunction of joints outside the spine such as the limbs. Chiropractors are especially proficient at joint manipulation as a means of restoring normal motion to fixated or "struck" joints. Joint manipulation often causes a popping or clicking sound. This sound is a result of a pressure change in the joint and a small amount of gas from the joint capsule being released. It is not the bones making noise, it won't cause arthritis (old wives tale), and research has demonstrated significant health benefits when properly applied. Some of these are temporary increase in range of motion; release of endorphins, a natural painkiller-like substance made in the brain; decreased muscle spasm; and reduced pain levels. Some patients have reported concurrent improvement in conditions other than those being treated. While this is significant and valuable, there is no evidence to bolster claims asserting, for example, that chiropractic care can cure diabetes or cure cancer. For the record it cannot.

A good chiropractor always:

- Listens! Your needs can only be served when they are heard.

- Cares about your progress and health

- Presents you with viable options.

- Refers to other practitioners when appropriate.

- Has a goal in mind for care that is measurable with valid recognized tools

A good chiropractor never:

- Uses guilt, fear, or coercion, to convince you to undergo care.

- Makes recommendations contrary to that of other health care providers without their knowledge and approval, such as encouraging a patient to stop taking prescribed medicine without medical consultation.

- Makes unscientific claims about the conditions a chiropractor treats. If they assert, insinuate, or imply that having your spine adjusted will increase your chance of getting pregnant, it's time to show yourself the door.

- States that lack of chiropractic care is interfering with your "vital or life force. Again ask "Where is the door?"