Visiting the chiropractor — whether for pain or general relief — is one of the best decisions you can make for your health.
The online community will agree: spinal manipulation and realignment are criminally underrated considering how beneficial physical therapy is.
If it’s your first time at the chiropractor, here’s what to expect:
What To Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor
Just like a standard medical consultation, knowing what to expect at the chiropractor will erase any issues you might be concerning yourself with.
Medical History and Consultation
Before the chiropractor performs any procedures, you will have to disclose your medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, injuries, and treatments. You may also have to answer some questions, especially if you’re experiencing discomfort:
- When and how did the pain start? What were you doing at the time?
- On a scale of 1-10, how painful is it?
If you’re there for preventive or general care, your chiropractor will ask for your goals to come up with a specific treatment plan.
Chiropractic Exam
The next step is the physical exam. Your chiropractor might observe your posture, examine your spine, move your affected joints, and inspect your gait.
These are to measure your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and neurological integrity. Depending on the severity of your condition, if any, your chiropractor may also request you undergo an x-ray or MRI scan and have your blood pressure checked.
Adjustment
Once you undergo your first chiropractic adjustment, here’s what to expect:
- Your chiropractor will have you lie on a table.
- They will then adjust your neck and spine to revert the misalignment and obtain a maximum range of motion. Don’t worry. This is painless.
- Your chiropractor may also use chiropractic tools to improve the adjustment.
For some, discomfort disappears instantly, while others may have to return for further treatment. Other treatment options include heat, ice, and massage therapy.
After the Treatment
Your chiropractor may prescribe certain exercises or lifestyle changes, including a diet plan. If you’re looking for a drug-free (excluding standard vitamins and supplements) and non-invasive treatment option, you’ll want to visit a chiropractor.
Depending on your case, they might schedule follow-up visits. The duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition.
Level of Discomfort
A major concern several first-timers have when studying what to expect when visiting a chiropractor is whether there will be pain during or after. Besides some awkwardness or mild soreness post-session, visits are generally painless; however, consult your chiropractor if the discomfort doesn’t fade after a while.
Conditions Chiropractors Can Treat
The most common health conditions a chiropractor can treat are the following:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Frequent headaches
- Sore joints
- Aching muscles
- Poor digestion
- Sleeping troubles
You don’t, however, have to be in pain before visiting a chiropractor. As mentioned earlier, you can schedule an appointment to prevent injuries and be in peak physical condition.
Common Chiropractic Myths
1. Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
Past chiropractic patrons have testified that not only is it pain-free, adjustments cause immediate relief from pain and strain. While the risk potential isn’t absent, anything harmful rarely happens.
2. Chiropractic Adjustments Are Expensive
Chiropractic care is far more affordable compared to traditional physical checkups and treatments. It is also one of the most-covered benefits of insurance policies, making it easier and more accessible to have.
3. You Have To Keep Coming Back
You may have heard this before: if you receive a chiropractic adjustment once, you have to make a return appointment for regular adjustments. The theory is that chiropractors intentionally weaken your spine to force you to come back for pain relief. This myth has been debunked time and time again. Adjustments performed by a professional chiropractor will help prevent overall physical aches that do not require maintenance.
4. Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors
Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors have endured their own share of curricula with just the same, if not more, workload as traditional medical students. They are then required to pass four sets of board exams and a state exam post-graduation before receiving their license and going into practice. As often as it may be denied, the truth holds: chiropractors are just as legitimate as any physician.
Now that you know what to expect at the chiropractor, you need a professional you can rely on. The Advanced Chiropractors Group is here to help. We are associated with the most experienced licensed chiropractors in your area and will connect you to them. Contact us today!
