What to Expect From a Chiropractic Visit
By Brandi Goodman
A chiropractic visit may seem daunting at first. Any new experience is a bit intimidating, after all. Knowing what to expect beforehand can help quell those fears and ensure you're prepared for what's to come. Knowing what to expect from a chiropractic visit can help you get comfortable with the idea of going.
They'll Be Asking Questions
You can't expect to receive care without answering some questions first. The doctor of chiropractic needs to know a few things before he or she can perform an adjustment. You might be asked about your daily habits, what you do for work, where you're experiencing pain, and why you may believe that pain is present. Honesty is key. The right adjustment for your body and needs will only be performed if you're honest with your chiropractor about what it is you're experiencing.
They'll Need a Medical History
Certain surgeries, medications, and other medical disclosures may affect the outcome of your adjustment and reason for discomfort. The doctor will need to inquire about your medical history so the appropriate measures can be taken. If you have a sore spot from a recent surgery, they may use a more gentle approach. If you've taken medication recently, they may realize your pain could stem from the side effects. Having these details is vital to the procedure.
They'll Perform a Visual Inspection of Your Spine
You may be asked to reach down and touch your toes. You might need to walk on your tiptoes to see how well you balance. The chiropractor will perform a visual inspection of your spine and body overall to see how your posture is and how well your spine is aligned. This will help them discover just where their focus needs to be during the adjustment.
They'll Perform an Adjustment and Answer Your Questions
The final part of the visit is to actually perform your adjustment, and then you'll get to ask any questions you may have. You may receive guidance on which exercises or stretches to perform to help get your body back in alignment and help avoid this problem in the future.
A visit to the chiropractor will help you in numerous ways. Don't let not knowing what to expect stop you from going. The first visit may take a bit longer than usual due to the medical history needed and additional questions asked, but visits thereafter should be in-and-out unless you have new information to divulge. Overall, the goal is to get your body feeling better and your posture perfected.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Diego, Calif.