What to Expect from Your First Chiropractor Visit

Visiting the chiropractor for the very first time? We’re sure that some of you may feel a bit nervous. The term “spinal adjustment” is quite intimidating. But we’re here to put your mind at ease. On this article, we will be talking about what you should expect from your first visit to the chiropractor. Truth is, it is very similar to visiting any other healthcare provider, except for a few unique elements. The office setting and the intake procedures will definitely feel familiar. The chiropractic treatment table itself is very elaborate, unlike others you’ve seen before. This will allow specific positioning and movement, which will help the chiropractor perform the spinal manipulations. A typical visit to the chiropractor will include an initial intake, a physical exam, and the treatment itself. Most chiropractors will also give you a follow up plan, so you’ll know what to do for the aftercare.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Of course, the reason you’re visiting a chiropractor is because you know what it is and what it is for. But in the off chance that you don’t, chiropractic care is all about realigning the spine through physical adjustments. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that reduces pain and helps the body heal faster, without using prescription drugs or surgery. From sports injuries to car accidents, chiropractic care can reduce your pain and improve your overall health.

The First Stage: Intake

Your initial chiropractic consultation will likely involve a health questionnaire that you have to complete. This is similar to most standard medical intakes. This initial step will help the chiropractor gauge your health history. You may be given a drawing of a human body, wherein you could mark the areas that represent where you are experiencing discomfort. Be as thorough and honest as you can during this entire step.

The Second Stage: Physical Exam

A routine physical exam is often done before the chiropractic treatment itself. This physical exam may include range of motion tests, reflex training, muscle strength comparisons, and orthopedic tests. These exams can help shed light on the extent of damage—even hidden injuries you may not have noticed initially. Afterwards, an exam will be conducted which will center on your spine and the other areas of discomfort. Expect your chiropractor to examine your entire spine. Most injuries that come from one area may have an effect on other areas of the body. That is why the whole spine must be given attention.

The Third Stage: Treatment Plan

Your chiropractor won’t go into treatment without a proper plan. This treatment plan will take into account a certain number of factors that are essential to your recovery. The extent of your injury or irritation was already covered by the prior examinations, while your general health was already tackled during the intake. Your chiropractor may also ask you about your fitness goals—if you play sports or engage in other physically demanding activities. Some people seek out chiropractors to improve their physical performance in sports and training. Others simply want to reduce their pain or discomfort. You should also tell them about previous injuries that may have affected your spine. This way, your chiropractor will know exactly how to approach your care. Try to develop mutual trust and understanding, if possible. This may help in the long run, especially if you’re planning to try chiropractic as a regular treatment.

The Fourth Stage: Treatment

During this stage, the adjustments are made through the use of controlled force, leverage, direction, and velocity. This will target specific joints to help “pull you back together”. Your chiropractor will mainly make these adjustments to the spine. But they may also adjust other joints like your ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. This will restore the structural alignment, relieve pain, and improve joint function. In the long run, you will be able to lessen your risk of injuries because your body is working perfectly. Remember that proper structure is necessary for proper function. Some conditions may require a series of adjustments within a span of a few weeks. Gradually, irritation will be reduced, and normal function will be restored. Visit your local chiropractor today and see how they can help you recover from injuries and improve your overall health.

What to Expect from Your First Chiropractor Visit is available on DynamicWellness

source https://www.dynamicwellnesschiro.com/first-chiropractor-visit/