There are several steps to take when considering a chiropractic adjustment. First, consider whether Chiropractic is you best option for you and your health. Here are a few items to consider:

1. Chronic pain in your joints, muscles or head hasn't improved with traditional medical treatments.

2. Your job requires you to sit for long periods of time or to perform repetitive physical tasks.

3. An injury to a muscle, joint or spine hasn't healed with initial medical treatment, medications or physical therapy.

4. Sharp pain shoots from your hip down your leg.

5. Pain, achiness, a burning sensation or stiffness comes and goes in parts of your body, with no explainable cause.

6. You want to address joint or muscle pain without drugs or surgery.

7. The soles of your shoes consistently wear differently. For instance, the left outer heel of shoes for your right foot wears down more quickly.

8. The hem of your skirts or pants hangs unevenly.

9. Your head is positioned forward rather than directly over your shoulders.

10. One of your shoulders is lower than the other.

When selecting a chiropractor, take time to find a DC who:

• Is recommended by your physician, other health care professionals or friends.

• Is licensed to practice chiropractic in the State of Michigan.

• Has experience treating your specific condition or symptoms.

• Is board certified if you need specialized care in areas such as such as chiropractic neurology, chiropractic rehabilitation, chiropractic orthopedics or chiropractic pediatrics. Board certification indicates the DC has completed studies and testing beyond those required to be a Doctor of Chiropractic.

• Is willing to work with your other physicians as part of your medical team.

• Uses diagnostic tools such as x-rays, ultrasound and paraspinal digital infrared imaging.

• Offers holistic, preventive care and counsel.

• Will provide an initial consultation free-of-charge.

• Doesn't claim that chiropractic treatment will cure an alphabet soup of medical conditions.

You also can get names of DCs in your area from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) web site at www.AcaToday.org or by calling, toll-free (800) 986-4636. You also can contact your state's chiropractic association. State contact information is posted at the ACA web site.

Finding the best chiropractic in Ann Arbor starts with deciding if chiropractic adjustment is for you and the best local Chiropractor for you.