Chiropractor

Visiting a chiropractor can help you manage your back pain, but if you’ve never visited a chiropractor’s office before, you’ll probably have a few questions. Read on to learn more about what a chiropractor does, and find out what’s causing all that cracking.

What Does A Chiropractor Do?

As a chiropractor like our friends at AmeriWell Clinics can explain, Chiropractors are health care professionals who can help you manage your back pain without resorting to invasive surgeries.

Most people assume a visit to a chiropractor is all about that flashy cracking and popping, but not on your first visit – and in some cases, not at all. Depending on what health issues you’re experiencing, your chiropractor has a number of tools at his or her disposal.

What Should I Expect Of My First Appointment With A Chiropractor?

Going to a chiropractor is very similar to visiting any other health care provider. You and your chiropractor will communicate about any health issues you may be experiencing, and then you’ll develop a treatment plan that will get to the root of the problem. This involves providing information about your medical history, and it may also involve a physical examination.

If you’re visiting a chiropractor for the first time, it’s important to dress appropriately. Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting (your chiropractor may need to do some x-rays, and if any chiropractic adjustments are on the menu, you’ll just be uncomfortable otherwise), and make sure you arrive a little early to fill out all the paperwork.

What’s With All The Cracking?

Chiropractic adjustments sometimes result in cracking and popping. During a chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor will apply a sudden, controlled force to your spine and joints. This is safe when carried out by a well-trained specialist, but those pops and cracks can raise a few eyebrows – even though it’s totally natural.

There are actually many different reasons your joints may crack. One of the most common is trapped nitrogen gasses moving from place to place. In other cases, advanced age may cause your tendons to snap into place when you flex a joint.

Why Is A Chiropractic Adjustment Necessary?

Your chiropractor’s goal is to improve your range of motion and ease any recurring pain. This can take a number of different techniques, and a chiropractic adjustment is just one tool in a very large toolbox.

For some patients, sudden force isn’t the answer. In the case of osteoarthritis, for example, a chiropractor may gently manipulate joints and ease them into different positions. Your chiropractor may also employ hot or cold therapy to help you manage your pain. It all depends on the patient, and a chiropractic adjustment may not even occur.

What Should I Look For In A Chiropractor?

Finding the right chiropractor sets the stage for the rest of your treatment. A google search will bring up tons of different results, but you should be on the lookout for a chiropractor that has multiple offices in your area. As an added bonus, some chiropractors even mention their specialty fields: If you were injured in a car accident, or on the job, the right office can make all the difference.

Don’t hesitate to get the best chiropractic treatment in your area. Search for nearby clinics, and get in touch with a chiropractor today.