Red Flags to Watch for at a Chiropractic Office (and What Safe, Evidence-Based Care Looks Like Instead)
Your health deserves more than social media theatrics.
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen viral chiropractic videos filled with dramatic cracks (ahem, ring-dingers out there, this is about you), exaggerated movements, and overly enthusiastic reactions. While they might rack up views, they don’t always reflect responsible — or safe — patient care.
As a chiropractor who believes in conservative, evidence-based care, I want to help you recognize the difference between entertainment and ethical, science-backed practice. Your spine isn't a prop for internet fame. So if you're seeking chiropractic support (which can be incredibly beneficial when done right), here are some red flags to look out for — and what you should see instead.
🚩 Red Flag #1: High-Velocity Adjustments with No Assessment
Why it’s dangerous: Performing spinal manipulations without a proper history, exam, or diagnosis is like writing a prescription without knowing the illness. Every patient is different and their anatomy, health history, and needs all matter. Skipping these steps risks injury and reduces the chance of real, lasting improvement.
What to look for instead: A responsible chiropractor will always start with a thorough intake, including a full health history and physical exam. They may use orthopedic tests, neurological screening, and even refer for imaging when appropriate before ever delivering care.
🚩 Red Flag #2: Treating Everyone the Same
Why it’s dangerous: There’s no one-size-fits-all technique. If every patient gets the same adjustments in the same order without any regard for their condition, that’s not care, it’s a routine.
What to look for instead: Look for a provider who tailors care to your specific needs and goals. That may include manual adjustments, soft tissue work, rehab exercises, posture coaching, or even referring you to another specialist. Personalized care is safe care.
🚩 Red Flag #3: Overpromising Results (or Claiming to “Cure” Everything)
Why it’s dangerous: Chiropractic care is powerful, if I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t be practicing. But it is not magic. If someone claims they can fix every health issue under the sun from hay fever to stage IV cancer (yes, I’ve heard all these claims before) with a quick crack, it’s time to be cautious. These kinds of promises can be misleading at best and harmful at worst.
What to look for instead: A trustworthy chiropractor will explain what’s realistic, what chiropractic care can support (like pain relief, joint function, posture, and nervous system health), and where its limits are. Most importantly, a good (and confident) chiropractor will be happy to work with — and certainly not against — other providers in your healthcare team when necessary to get you to a point of health and comfort.
🚩 Red Flag #4: Long-Term “Cookie Cutter” Care Plans with No Reassessment
Why it’s dangerous: Being handed a 6-month treatment plan after a 5-minute consult? That’s a sales pitch, not patient-centered care. Progress should be monitored, and plans should evolve based on how your body responds.
What to look for instead: Care plans should be collaborative. You should know the why behind the plan and be reassessed regularly. Good chiropractors prioritize your outcomes, not your commitment to a predetermined number of visits.
🚩 Red Flag #5: Prioritizing Social Media Content Over Your Safety
Why it’s dangerous: Filming a patient for the sake of social media, especially during high-force adjustments like the dangerous (and not scientifically-backed in any way) Ring-Dinger trend, can be a major red flag. The focus should always be on clinical outcomes, not camera angles.
One word of caution I give anyone who asks - if a chiropractor mentions trying the “Ring-Dinger” adjustment, or comes at your neck with a towel, leave. Don’t be nice about it, either. Your safety is worth so much more than a dangerous “trend” designed to get that so-called doctor more social media followers.
What to look for instead: Your chiropractor should prioritize privacy, consent, and your comfort. If they do create educational content, it should be clear that patient safety and ethics come first.
What Safe, Effective Chiropractic Care Should Feel Like
Safe and effective chiropractic care should feel like a partnership. You should feel heard, respected, and informed. You should never feel rushed, pressured, or like you're part of a show. Most importantly, you should feel confident that your chiropractor is using techniques grounded in science, tailored to your needs, and always focused on your long-term health.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care has so much to offer, from pain relief to improved function and overall well-being. But like any profession, there are outliers who don’t represent the standard of care patients deserve. The goal of this post isn’t to fearmonger; it’s to empower you with the tools to recognize quality care and advocate for your health.
If you're ever unsure about something you're experiencing in a healthcare setting, trust your gut and don't hesitate to ask questions. A good chiropractor will welcome them.
Want to know what a science-backed, patient-first chiropractic visit looks like? Feel free to reach out or book a consultation — I believe your spine deserves care, not clicks.