What Can You Expect on your First Chiropractic Visit?
On the first visit, you can expect the Chiropractor to complete a thorough Chiropractic consultation that includes:
Patient History
In preparation for your consultation with the chiropractor, you will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about your symptoms and condition. Types of questions include:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is it located?
- Is it a result of an injury?
- What makes it better?
- What makes it worse?
- Have you had previous episodes?
- Have you received previous Chiropractic care?
- Are you on any medications?
- Rate the intensity of the pain?
- Any associated symptoms?
You will also usually be asked to provide the chiropractor with information on family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments.
Chiropractic Physical Examination
Once the history has been completed, the Chiropractor will perform a thorough Chiropractic examination. In addition to general tests such as reflexes, motion palpation, sensory testing, the Chiropractic examination will include specific Orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- Range of motion of the affected part
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
- Flexibility
- Pain tolerance
Based on the findings, further Chiropractic tests may be necessary to arrive at the assessment or diagnosis of the affected area (such as moving your leg in a specified manner, posture analysis, or the chiropractor manipulating your arm or leg).
Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic studies are helpful for chiropractors in revealing ailments and identifying your body’s alignment to accurately diagnose a condition. They may or may not be deemed necessary by the chiropractor based upon the results of the history and chiropractic examination.
The most common diagnostic studies used by chiropractors include:
- X-ray
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
- Laboratory tests
- CT Scans
Diagnosis
Once all the facts are assessed, the Chiropractor will decide if the patient will respond to treatment, method of treatment, duration of treatment, etc.
The Chiropractor will explain:
- The diagnosed condition
- The chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)
- The length of Chiropractic care
- Exercises
- Things to do at home to speed up recovery
Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Most Chiropractors will begin treatment on the first visit. Treatment includes,
- Adjustments to key joint dysfunctions
- Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control (ultrasound, electrical stimulation and traction)
- Exercises to improve muscle balance, strength, and coordination
- Patient education to improve posture and motor control
Other treatments may include massage, heat/cold application, and nutrition education. Once treatment has begun, the Chiropractor will develop a plan to effectively devrease pain, and restore ranges of motion.
- Short term goals for chiropractic treatment – to reduce pain and restore normal joint function and muscle balance
- Long term goals for chiropractic treatment – to restore normal activity and tolerance to the other normal activities of daily living
In order to reach these goals, the Chiropractor will suggest a specific number of chiropractic visits. Treatment plans vary between patients and conitions.
Progress of treatment is monitored with re-examinations,:
- Continue chiropractic treatment if appropriate;
- Release you from chiropractic care if your goals have been met; or Refer you to another health care specialist if your goals have not been fulfilled.
Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?
Chiropractors do their best to restore normal biomechanics and decrease painful symptoms using gentle techniques. During an adjustment, a small noise is heard, this is the joint moving back in position and a small amount of gas in the joint being released.
Be a Partner in Your Treatment
Try to be as relaxed as possible and allow your chiropractor freedom to make the adjustments. Your chiropractor will talk you through adjustments to explain the process. Remaining relaxed will pay off, as almost all patients find great relief when normal flexibility is returned to the affected vertebrae.
Preparing for Your Appointment – Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor
Asking questions will help you become more acquainted with your chiropractor and chiropractic health in general. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- How long have you been practicing chiropractic?
- What are your qualifications?
- Do you commonly treat my condition?
- What type of diagnostic testing is needed?
- Will I need care from other health care professionals?
- What are the side effects and possible complications of the process, if any?
- What type of patient education do you provide?
- How long will it take to get well?
What to Expect – Post Visit
How Will I Feel After My Session?
After your first session, if you are like most people, you will feel more relaxed and less concerned. Many people find they breathe more fully. Some patients continue to move and stretch in various ways to release any tension they may be holding. Occasionally a feeling of “letting go” may occur, allowing you to unwind chronic tension patterns. Over several sessions you will likely feel more relaxed.
What If I Feel Sore?
Any adverse effects are typically minor and brief in length. The likelihood of initial soreness or increased pain after a chiropractic adjustment has been found to be similar to that of starting an exercise program. There are several ways you can speed up the healing process after a chiropractic treatment. Self-care plans will help you restore your body to good health and help you experience the results of the treatment more quickly.
To promote healing after an adjustment, your chiropractor may instruct you to:
- Use an ice pack on the treated area (for any swelling or redness)
- Try light stretching exercises
- Sleep on a suitable mattress
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Refrain from intense physical exercise for at least 3-5 days
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
Scheduling A Follow Up Session
Patients sometimes make the mistake of receiving treatment once and then fail to follow up with their chiropractor for the recommended treatments afterward. For optimal results, you should complete the treatment plan that you discussed with your chiropractor.
Maintaining Good Back Health
You can develop habits that promote and maintain good back health. Here are five suggestions as you go about your daily activities.
Drink Lots of Water
Water keeps you fluid, rather than stiff.
Don’t Slouch
Poor posture increases the risk of back injury. Slouching in your chair, driving hunched over and standing incorrectly causes misalignment of your spine and increases your risk for back injury. Keep your shoulders back and chest out.
Fitness
Exercise and activity keep muscles of the spine strong. The most important muscles to strengthen to avoid back pain are the abdominals. Include stretching in your fitness program to avoid stiffness. For the spine, being active helps one avoid compression and loading of the intervertebral disks.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is generally an excellent way to prevent all kinds of disease and discomfort.
Sleep Well
Find a sleeping position that helps you avoid placing unnecessary strain on your back or neck. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleep on your side (pillow between legs) or back (pillow under knees). Use a supportive mattress.