What Makes a Bad Chiropractic Patient?

In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, I dive into a topic that most chiropractors think about but rarely say out loud: what makes a bad chiropractic patient. Every chiropractor wants to help people, but the reality is that not everyone is a good fit for your care or your practice. Learning to identify those bad fits early on can save your sanity, protect your business, and create space for better patients who actually value what you do.

I start by sharing a story about speaking at Logan University years ago, where I asked a group of chiropractic students who wasn't a good fit for their future practices. The room went silent. That moment reminded me that many chiropractors don't think about who they don't want to serve—and that's a huge problem when it comes to marketing and practice happiness. Saying "anyone with a spine" is not a strategy. It's bad marketing and bad business.

From there, I break down several general categories of bad chiropractic patients. Some of these are universal red flags, while others depend on your specific practice style or personality.

Here's a rundown of what we talk about:

1. Contraindicated Patients There are clear medical situations where chiropractic care just isn't appropriate—or at least not right now. I talk about conditions like fractures, dislocations, severe osteoporosis, and spinal cord compression. Responsible chiropractors know when to refer out and when it's simply not safe or effective to adjust.

2. People Who Can't Pay This one might sound harsh, but chiropractors aren't running charities. If someone can't or won't pay, you can't build a sustainable practice around them. I share how I handled this in my own office by creating limited "hardship agreements" for people in genuine need. It's a way to be compassionate without sabotaging your business.

3. People Who Can't Keep a Schedule You know the type—always late, constantly rescheduling, or no-showing altoge