Are you contemplating going to the chiropractor for the first time? It is helpful to know what to expect during your stay. The more you know about chiropractic therapy, the more likely you are to have a positive experience with the chiropractor.
Chiropractors realign your spine and other joints to improve their alignment. This is referred to as manipulation or adjustment by chiropractors. However, chiropractic therapy entails more than simply spinal adjustments. Chiropractic physicians attend school for roughly the same amount of time as medical doctors. Chiropractic practitioners have received education in bone, joint, and nervous system diseases, exercise treatment, and nutrition. They assess nerve function and the mobility of your spine and major joints.
Like any other doctor’s appointment, the first visit begins with a medical history and an overall exam.
Medical History
The first appointment usually lasts around an hour. Your chiropractor will inquire about your medical history as well as your current symptoms. Inform your chiropractor of the following:
- Why you need help
- Previous injuries
- Every one of your medical conditions
- Any drugs you are taking
- Your daily habits, such as exercise, food, stress, and sleep
You may obtain ‘new patient’ forms from the websites of certain chiropractic practices. Answering medical inquiries at home rather than at the doctor’s office can be less stressful and more time-efficient. This can also help you focus on what’s upsetting you when you meet with your doctor face to face
Physical Examination
The doctor will give you a physical exam. The exam may include the following:
- A spinal exam
- Muscle and nerve function evaluation
- Tests for strength, range of motion, and balance
During the physical exam, the doctor may use a small amount of pressure to feel your joints’ movement and see if your muscles are strong. The doctor may also take X-rays of your neck, spine, and lower back. X-rays are often necessary to see if there is a problem in the spine’s structures.
The doctor usually begins treatment with spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation involves moving the spine into different positions to increase the space between the vertebrae. This has the effect of removing any pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots from the bones or from spinal fluid.
Chiropractic doctors may also recommend other treatments to help relieve pain and improve your mobility, such as:
- Electrotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Massage
- Exercise
- Home care
What to Expect After Your Session
The results of a chiropractic adjustment are immediate. The doctor’s adjustments often improve your health enough to relieve pain and improve your ability to move. Since everyone is different, the results of chiropractic care vary. About two-thirds of patients experience reduced pain after receiving chiropractic care. The frequency of visits may vary, with regular visits at first and lessening over time.
Conclusion
If you are in pain and worried about visiting the chiropractor, you shouldn’t be. With the tips in this article, you’ll be ready to go to the chiropractor and know what to expect! The sooner you get started, the sooner you can begin feeling better!
At Triple Crown Chiropractic, we strive to be the best solution for low back and shoulder pain in the TRI-State area. We use individually customized soft tissue and spinal treatments, leading to optimal health results. By using our innovative and multifaceted approach, we are able to heal your problems naturally. Schedule a chiropractic consultation today!