Just as your computer's operating system controls various peripherals, a patient's operating system controls their health-related behaviors.

Uncover their programming:

Worldview – Do they think of themselves as a victim? Bad luck? Bad genes? Do they accept responsibility for the symptoms they're experiencing?

Values – When it comes to attending to their health, how do they rank themselves on a scale from "No Interest" to "Health Nut?"

Body Awareness – Do they see pain as bad, or a signal pointing to something else? Are they seeking relief or health care? A diet or a way of life?

History – What else have they tried to resolve their current complaint? Why do they think chiropractic could help?

Expectations – How do they think chiropractic works? Are they willing to collaborate and do things between visits to support their care?

Patients may have never contemplated these questions before. And their answers may change once they experience relief.

Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, coaching program, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.