Did you know that 16 million adults in the US suffer from chronic back pain? This translates to about 8% of the US adult population with chronic back pain. If you're experiencing back pain, joint pain, or headaches, you may want to consider a chiropractor visit.
Chiropractors are experts in the
diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal issues and can provide relief
for many common complaints. They're miracle workers and can help provide prompt
pain relief, even for chronic cases.
It's normal to be apprehensive about
your first chiropractic visit because you don't know what to expect. We can
guarantee you that you have nothing to worry about. But to ease your
apprehension, we'll be guiding you on what to expect during your first
chiropractor visit in today's post.
What
Does a Chiropractor Do?
A chiropractor is a health care
professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular
disorders. Using their hands, they adjust your spine and other joints in your
body.
Chiropractors are often referred to
as "back doctors" because a lot of their patients come to them with
back pain. But they don't just treat back pain, they also treat a wide range of
issues, including:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
Chiropractors use a variety of
techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body. The most common is
called spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment.
During spinal manipulation, the
chiropractor will apply sudden and controlled pressure to your joints using
their hands. This pressure will help to improve the range and quality of motion
in your joints.
Preparing
for the Chiropractor Visit
It's important to prepare adequately
for your first visit to ensure it goes seamlessly. Here are a couple of tips
for doing just that.
Plan
to Arrive Early
Arriving early gives you time to
fill out any necessary paperwork and also allows you to ask the receptionist
any questions you may have. This way, you won't feel rushed and can be relaxed
for your appointment.
If you have any x-rays or MRI
results, please bring them with you to the appointment.
Wear
Comfortable Clothing
You should also wear comfortable
clothes that won't restrict your movement. For instance, if you're coming in
for neck pain, it might be difficult to adjust your neck if you're wearing a
turtleneck.
Loose-fitting clothing is always
best so the chiropractor can easily assess and treat the areas giving you pain.
Learn
About the Process
It's also helpful to educate
yourself on the process of chiropractic care before your first visit. That way,
you know what to expect and can be more comfortable during the treatment.
For instance, many people are afraid
of getting their spine adjusted because they think it will be painful. But the
truth is, spinal manipulations are usually painless. In fact, most people feel
significant relief after just one treatment.
The
Actual Chiropractic Visit
Assuming you prepared well for the
visit, all you have to do now is show up. Here's what to expect from your first
chiropractic visit.
The
Intake
When you first arrive at the office,
you'll be asked to fill out some paperwork. This will include your personal
information, health history, and the reason for your visit. This is also a good
time to ask the receptionist any questions you may have about the office or the
chiropractor.
Once the paperwork is complete, the
receptionist will ask you to join the chiropractor in their consultation room.
The
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, the
chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history and the reason
for your visit. They will also perform a physical examination.
Some of the questions the
chiropractor might ask you include:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Have you been in an accident or suffered an injury?
- Do you have any other health conditions?
- What medications are you currently taking?
These questions help the
chiropractor get a better understanding of your condition and how they can best
help you.
The
Physical Exam
The physical exam will involve the
chiropractor testing your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. They
may also use X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at your bones
and joints. The physical exam will test things like:
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Range of motion
- Neurological integrity
In some cases, the chiropractor
might recommend additional tests like posture analysis or even an MRI scan.
After the physical exam is complete, the chiropractor will go over their
findings with you and explain what treatment options are available.
The
Treatment Plan
After the initial consultation and
physical exam, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan specifically for
you. This will likely involve a combination of different techniques, depending
on your individual needs.
The treatment plan may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Massage therapy
- Exercise and stretching
- Lifestyle changes
The chiropractor will also recommend
the frequency and duration of treatment. At this point, you can ask any
questions you may have about the proposed treatment plan. Once you're both on
the same page, the chiropractor will begin your first treatment.
In most cases, you'll need to come
in for multiple visits before you start seeing significant results. But with
each visit, you should feel a little bit better until your symptoms are gone
completely. Most people feel significantly better after just a few chiropractic
treatments. But in some cases, it may take longer to see results.
If you don't start seeing
improvements after a few visits, the chiropractor will likely recommend trying
a different approach or referring you to another specialist. Ensure you visit
the best chiropractor so you don’t have to get any extra referrals.
The
Chiropractic Adjustment
One of the most common treatments
chiropractors use is chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation.
The chiropractor will start by
positioning you on a special table. Then they will use their hands or a small
instrument to apply pressure to your joints. This pressure will help to release
any built-up tension in your muscles and joints.
You may hear a popping noise during
the adjustment, but this is perfectly normal. Some people feel immediate relief
after the adjustment, while others may need to come in for multiple sessions
before they start seeing results.
Will
It Hurt?
Chiropractic treatment is generally
very safe, although you might feel a little bit of discomfort during the
adjustment, this should only last for a few seconds. If you're feeling any pain
during the treatment, be sure to let the chiropractor know so they can adjust
their technique.
After the adjustment, you may feel a
bit sore, but this is normal. The soreness should go away within a day or two.
If you're still feeling pain after a couple of days, be sure to contact the
chiropractor.
Types
of Chiropractic Treatments to Expect
As mentioned earlier, there are many
types of chiropractic treatments that chiropractors offer. Your treatment will
depend on your specific condition and medical history. Here are a few common
types of chiropractic treatments.
Spinal
Manipulation
This is the most common type of
chiropractic treatment for addressing different conditions. It involves using
pressure and manipulation to adjust the spine or joints.
Spinal manipulation is generally a
very safe and effective treatment for most people. However, there are some
risks associated with it. These risks are usually minor and go away on their
own within a day or two. This treatment is great for conditions like:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain
Chiropractors are highly trained in
spinal manipulation and know how to adjust the spine safely and effectively. If
you're concerned about the risks, be sure to discuss them with your
chiropractor before starting treatment.
If you're pregnant, have
osteoporosis, or have other health conditions, also let the chiropractor know.
Massage
Therapy
Massage therapy is often used in
conjunction with other chiropractic treatments. It can help to relax the
muscles and reduce inflammation and pain.
There are many different types of
massage therapies, but the most common type used by chiropractors is called
Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long massage strokes and light
pressure to promote relaxation.
Heat
and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy are two
simple, but effective treatments for pain relief. Heat therapy can help to
relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the area. Cold therapy can help to
reduce inflammation.
This treatment involves using a hot
or cold pack on the affected area for a short period of time. Your chiropractor
will likely recommend using heat therapy first and then cold therapy after the
treatment.
Sometimes chiropractors recommend
doing the treatment by yourself as part of the treatment plan.
After
the Appointment
After your first chiropractic
appointment, you will likely feel relief from your symptoms. However, it is
important to remember that treatment is not a one-time thing. For most
conditions, you will need to come in for multiple appointments.
Your chiropractor will likely give
you your treatment plan that outlines how often you should come in for
appointments. It is important to stick to the treatment plan in order to see
the best results. If you have any questions or concerns after your appointment,
be sure to contact the chiropractor.
Let
Your Chiropractor Straighten Things Out
With the information above, your
first chiropractor visit should be a cakewalk. Remember, you have nothing to
worry about. Chiropractors are trained professionals and all procedures are
perfectly safe.
However, be sure to do your digging
to find the best chiropractors for your specific needs. We wish you all the
best with your first chiropractic visit.
For more informative content, check out the other posts on the site.
