No matter what your condition, chiropractors have a unique qualification to help alleviate it. Chiropractic doctors use a holistic approach to health that is hands-on and drug-free. They have a wide range of diagnostic skills, can coach patients in nutrition and lifestyle, and recommend exercises to rehabilitate their patients. Chiropractic care can either be the main source of treatment – such as for bank pain – or even complement other healthcare practitioners.
If you haven’t been to a chiropractor before, you may be wondering what you can expect for your first visit. Keep reading for more information on your initial consultation.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
When you visit your chiropractor for the first time, he or she will examine your spine to find issues that should be addressed. You will likely have to fill out some paperwork to tell your chiropractor about any medications you take, medical conditions you have, and dietary supplements you use. On your first visit, your chiropractor will:
- Perform a physical examination, paying special attention to the spine
- Conduct a health history inquiry
- Potentially take x-rays, check for palpitations, use a visual analysis, or even do some physical testing
- Collaborate with you to develop a plan of care if he or she determines chiropractic care is right for your condition
When a chiropractor performs an adjustment, it helps to restore joint mobility. Your chiropractor will apply manual force into joints that have limited or restricted movement due to tissue injury. These types of injuries can result from either repetitive stress or a single traumatic event. Both types of injuries lead to physical and chemical changes in the tissue that can cause limited mobility, inflammation, and pain. Additionally, an adjustment allows the body to heal and relieves pain.
Following the adjustment, your chiropractor will probably have some recommendations to help you fix your posture or make better lifestyle choices. Recommendations will likely include personalized posture techniques and exercises.
Your Follow Up Visits
During a follow-up visit, your chiropractor might perform more adjustments or other manual techniques according to your treatment plan. Spinal adjustments are often utilized alongside other treatments such as:
- Relaxation techniques
- Homecare equipment for spinal correction
- Body weighting
- Cervical traction
- Exercises to improve muscle strength
- Dietary suggestions on supplements
- Diet counseling, including weight loss
- Recommendations for wobble discs if you have to sit at an office
For any questions on how chiropractic care can benefit you and what to expect, be sure to schedule a consultation with a practitioner, like a chiropractor in Baltimore, MD, today.
Thank you to the clinicians and experts at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care.