Would it surprise you to learn that 27 million Americans visit a chiropractor every year? It’s one of the most popular complementary treatments out there, with proponents claiming it relaxes them, improves their mobility and range of motion, and alleviates their pain.
If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, however, you might be a little apprehensive. Won’t it hurt to have your vertebrae and other joints cracked so forcefully? Are there risks involved? And how much can spinal alignment really help improve other health conditions? Read on to learn what you can expect from your first visit to a chiropractor.
- The Initial Visit Will Be Thorough
Just like when you visit a new doctor of any kind, the initial visit to a chiropractic clinic will be a little longer than subsequent appointments. That’s because the chiropractor needs to conduct a thorough intake. Additionally, there will be forms to fill out.
Be prepared to answer a number of questions about your current symptoms, any pain you are experiencing, your health history, and even your job and lifestyle. While that might seem intrusive at first glance, all of these inquiries are valuable background knowledge that help the chiro treat you effectively.
Answer all questions honestly, and if there is any relevant information that the chiropractor hasn’t asked about directly, offer it up just in case.
- The First Exam Also Includes a Physical Workup
In addition to discussing your health history and current state, the chiropractor will perform a physical exam. It includes blood pressure, pulse, reflexes, and some orthopedic and neurological tests to evaluate your muscle tone, muscle strength, range of motion, and more. The doctor will likely ask you to walk around in your stocking feet and to perform certain movements, so that they can evaluate your posture.
The doctors of chiropractic at County Line Chiropractic Lauderhill explain that X-rays and other diagnostic tests may be ordered, to give the provider a complete picture of your spine and skeleton.
Most new patients will receive their first adjustment during this initial consultation, as well.
- It’s Not Just the Joints
Many newbies to chiropractic care assume that it concerns only the spine and certain joints, like the knee or hip. However, chiropractic care addresses not just the skeletal system, but the muscles, ligaments, and tendons as well.
Similarly, chiropractic care can be helpful for a wide range of conditions. Some of the issues most commonly associated with chiropractic are back pain, neck pain, and headaches. But it also treats referred pain, which occurs when a problem with one part of the body manifests in another area.
If you’re not sure whether your condition can be treated by a chiropractor, just ask — you may be pleasantly surprised!
- Nor Does It Have to Involve Cracking the Joints
Some people find it relaxing to crack their own joints or have someone else do it for them; others shudder at the mere thought. If you are in the latter camp, you have probably shied away from chiropractic care. But contrary to popular opinion, there is a way to treat the spine without all that twisting, jolting, popping, and cracking.
Find a clinic that specializes in gentle chiropractic. Using slower, less forceful manipulation of the body, this type of treatment is nevertheless just as effective as the traditional kind.
- This Could Be the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship
Chiropractic care can be great for alleviating pain and restoring range of motion after the patient has had an injury or accident. But it’s also a beneficial treatment when it is used proactively. Once your chiropractor resolves the particular issue that brought you to the office for help, it’s smart to continue seeing them for continued optimal spinal health.
You might not have appointments as frequently as when you were being treated for a particular problem, but plenty of folks go to the chiropractor because it helps them feel better in their everyday life.
Wrapping Up
Chiropractic care is widely misunderstood and gets a bit of a bad rap because of that. However, it can do wonders for the body, especially if you have an open mind!
Hopefully, you have learned something from this article. If so, feel free to share it on your social media!