If you've never been to the chiropractor before, the prospect can be daunting. You're about to have someone move the joints in your back and stretch your body in strange ways, after all. The good news is that chiropractic visits typically go more smoothly than most first-time patients imagine. In fact, many people actually look forward to going back to the chiropractor! Here's a look at what you can expect.
The Evaluation
Before your chiropractor works on you, he or she will want to get a good picture of your medical history. You'll be asked what ailments and illnesses you suffer from. It's important to share as much as you can with your chiropractor at this point. Even things you may think are completely unrelated to your spine – such as the fact that you get colds often or suffer from migraines – are relevant. This is because chiropractors focus on whole-body health and how spinal alignment affects other body systems. These symptoms can clue them into what issues might be going on with your spine.
Depending on your condition and the chiropractor's preferences, x-rays may also be taken at this point. Your chiropractor will then ask you to lie down on the table. (Yes, you will typically keep your clothes on). You'll be lying face-down, and your chiropractor will check a few things – such as whether your legs appear to rest at the same length and how squarely your shoulders line up. You might be asked to bend this way or that way while your chiropractor observes.
The Adjustment
Once your chiropractor has gathered your medical history and done some functional evaluations, he or she will begin the adjustment process. Most chiropractors will be very thorough in describing to you what they are going to do before they do it. For instance, your chiropractor may say "Now I am going to press on your back between your shoulder blades."
As your chiropractor pushes on various places along your spine, you will hear some popping noises as your joints are re-positioned. However, you won't feel any pain. Some patients report feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated after a few joints are adjusted.
The Follow-Up
When your chiropractor is finished adjusting your spine, you may be asked to bend in certain ways and report whether you feel any stiffness or discomfort. If you do, you may be told to lay back down on the table so you can be further adjusted.
If you came to see the chiropractor for a specific problem, he or she will probably discuss your ongoing treatment protocol at this point. You may be shown some exercises to do at home in order to keep your spine better aligned. Your chiropractor will let you know whether you should return in a week, a month, or some other period of time for another adjustment.
The entire process of visiting the chiropractor is very relaxing and simple. At no time should you feel any pain, and chiropractors are often very good about informing you about what they are doing to your body. This ties back to their goal of treating the whole person – not just the injury or illness. Contact a company like Olson Chiropractic Centers for more information.
