So this is your first visit to a Chiropractor… You’re nervous. Not sure. You’ve heard things. Will it hurt? What’s going to happen? Relax! These are normal feelings, but rest assured things will be better than you expect.
Typically, Chiropractors never begin treatments on the first visit. As one might expect, there are some common sense steps to take first. Any chiropractor worthy of the name will do everything in their power to reduce symptoms as soon as possible. But before they begin treatment they will first determine the nature of the injury and develop a plan with your health and comfort in mind. You should feel comfortable asking as many questions you need to understand the process. Ask about the practitioners’ philosophy.
First the Chiropractor will seek your symptoms and history. Not unlike medical doctors, there will be forms to fill out. We will want your medical history in relation to the symptoms that are you are having.
Next you can expect a few tests to determine your physical state and symptoms. These may include blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, reflexes as well as certain orthopedic and neurologic test to appraise the following:
Usually at this point a treatment plan will be decided upon and that will be the end of your first visit. Sometimes, depending on the nature of your symptoms and history a little more may be called for. Diagnostic studies may be needed. Based upon your history, and your exam, studies that may reveal pathologies and structural abnormalities may be the next step. But in most cases this is not needed. If they are the most common are,
All of the above will lead to a diagnosis. Not unlike the procedure a medical doctor might use. But one thing that is different is that you will not expect a snap decision without an exam to determine just what your actual needs are. Once the diagnosis is made we will determine if chiropractic is your best option. If this is not the case, we will certainly tell you so.
Once you begin treatment you may be pleasantly surprised. Most people associate our treatment with the “cracking” and “popping” which may seem scary and, one would think, painful. But many of our techniques are very different from that. Because the healing process affects everyone differently it is impossible to predict the actual experience you will have, but most patients report immediate relief on the first visit. This may not last however during the first days and weeks of your treatment plan.
That you would feel immediate relief makes sense if you have been undergoing months or possibly even years of discomfort. Initially the relief will be real… But until full healing is achieved, you can expect your pain to return and you may have to have several treatments until your body finally readjusts itself to a better state reducing or ending your symptoms.
You may feel “crooked” of a little bit off… This is because you have been so used to being maladjusted that it will all seem so unfamiliar. Just not what you are used to. In time this feeling should go away and be replaced with feeling better and more physically relaxed.
In some cases, you may not feel any different. Not to worry. Depending on your particular ailment, your healing process may take more time and more treatment.