Chiropractors can help with everything from migraines and lower back pain to sciatica and insomnia. If you’ve decided to seek the services of a chiropractor to help you improve your symptoms and quality of life after careful consideration and research, you may be intimidated or nervous about what to expect, especially if this is your first experience.
Here are a few things you can expect from your first chiropractic visit.
Prior to Your First Visit
Prior to your first consultation and visit, your chiropractor will make several suggestions to help you get the most out of the experience. You may be asked to write down a detailed list of your symptoms, prescriptions, diagnoses, and any concerns, for example. Your chiropractor, as your doctor, will request a detailed family history.
Make a list of any illnesses or conditions that your close family members have had in the past.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. This will allow the chiropractor to examine you and perform any necessary tests, such as X-rays. If you already have an X-ray, bring it with you.
Arrive a few minutes early for your appointment to complete any necessary paperwork.
Throughout Your Initial Consultation
You will be taken to the exam room after checking in for your appointment. The chiropractor will inquire about your medical history, symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing these symptoms. Discuss whether the cause of your symptoms is acute or chronic.
A car accident, for example, could be the immediate cause of your symptoms. Chronic causes include sciatica, bursitis, and recurring migraines.
The following tests may be performed during this initial consultation depending on your conditions and symptoms:
Examination while walking. Walking back and forth across the room several times allows your chiropractor to determine if you have any problems with your spine, legs, or pelvis.
Flexibility testing. Stretches, movements, and bending will put your flexibility and range of motion to the test.
Leg lengths are measured. If one leg is shorter than the other, this could indicate a number of problems, including a misaligned pelvis.
Straight leg raises examination. The patient lies down during this test, and the chiropractor instructs them to lift their leg in the air with their knee straight. This allows the chiropractor to look for problems with the sciatic nerves or leg muscles.
X-rays. Your chiropractor may ask for an x-ray as a way to get a better idea of a patient’s condition or injury. Through an x-ray, your doctor will be able to pinpoint the exact place that might be having issues and where your pain emanates.
Recommending Care And Report Of Findings
Following the initial assessment, you will be scheduled for a report of findings. Your chiropractor will discuss your X-ray and recommend a care plan. This care plan takes into account a number of factors, including the patient’s age, illness or injury, overall health, the time the injury or illness occurred, the cause of the injury or illness, and the patient’s other special needs.
The care plan will include adjustments, which will be done in the chiropractor’s office. Adjustments relieve the discomfort associated with a variety of issues in both children and adults in a safe and effective manner.
In addition to in-patient treatments, the chiropractor will give you exercises to do at home, instructions on how to avoid future injuries, and a healthy living and eating plan to ensure the patient maintains their weight and stays active.
Throughout Your First Adjustment
The chiropractor will determine whether you can get an adjustment during your first visit or if more information and testing are required. Adjustments are used to help realign the spinal vertebrae, which can be the cause of the patient’s condition or contribute to any pain or sickness they experience.
First, the chiropractor will instruct you on where to lie or stand in order to perform the adjustment. The position of the patient is important because it allows the chiropractor to perform an appropriate adjustment based on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. The chiropractor, for example, may have the patient lie face down on the adjustment table or prop the patient up on cushions.
The chiropractor will then apply quick and directed pressure to a specific joint or spot on the neck or back using their hands or a specialized instrument. During the adjustment, you may hear a pop or feel some discomfort. After the adjustment is complete, you can take a few minutes to relax before returning to your normal daily activities.
Following Your Adjustment
Finally, after your adjustment, you may feel a little sore or have a mild headache for a few hours. This is normal and will go away with rest and lots of water. Continue to move after the appointment, but stick to low-impact activities like walking or biking. Follow your at-home care plan and consult your chiropractor if your discomfort or headaches do not go away after a few days.
Chiropractic care can help with a variety of illnesses and injuries. If you have any further questions, please contact Form and Function Corrective Chiropractic. Call us at GLOBE: +63 917 670 0907 | SMART: +63 969 331 4044
Our clinic is conveniently located at Unit 907 AppleOne – Equicom Tower, Mindanao Avenue cor. Biliran St., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.