What To Expect: Pre-visit
OVERVIEW: Chiropractic is a health care profession based primarily upon the interactions of the spine and nervous system, as well as the effects of musculoskeletal disorders on general health. Because all nerves exit in pairs at each of the levels of the spine, chiropractic has an incredible impact on performance and vitality. Chiropractors are trained to give your body the medical attention and holistic care it needs.
COSTS: Total back care costs have been found to be lower for patients who received treatment (either initially or during the course of their care) from chiropractors. Chiropractic care for acute conditions is covered by most health care plans. Patients often have some financial responsibility at the time of their visit(s).
What’s going to happen during my first visit?
The main point of the first visit is to get an adequate examination and make a diagnosis.
- You will be asked what specific problems you have been encountering and about the level of your pain
- Your chiropractor will then examine you, to evaluate your current health status
- X-ray or MRI request maybe necessary
- Once you have been diagnosed, depending on what is causing your pain and the severity of the issue, you are more than likely to receive treatment on the same day
- The chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan
- Appointments for follow-up treatment can be scheduled
Will it hurt?
Many patients report a popping sound during their adjustment. The popping noises sometimes heard are tiny pockets of gas releasing from your joints, which is completely normal. A chiropractic adjustment is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Techniques emphasize using minimal force and gentle pressure.
What can I do?
It is important to try to be as relaxed as possible and allow your chiropractor the freedom to make the adjustments. Patients who are tense or who stiffen every time the chiropractor attempts the adjustment make it hard for the chiropractor to work in the needed area.
Your chiropractor will be happy to talk you through any adjustments to ease any anxiety you may have. Remaining relaxed will pay off, as almost all patients find great relief when normal flexibility is returned to the affected vertebrae.
Ask Your Chiropractor
Your chiropractor is your partner in getting you on the road to recovery. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions will help you become more acquainted with your chiropractor and chiropractic health in general. Ask your chiropractor any and every question you may have.
- 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 to 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?
