Something has driven you to seek out a chiropractor- maybe you’re looking to make a change in your lifestyle and be healthier, or you’ve been having some nagging back or neck pain. While you’re looking forward to making progress toward your health goals, you might be wondering what you can expect when coming to our office for the first time. The unknown can cause some anxiety or stress, but we hope to ease your mind before you get to the clinic.
After filling out some paperwork, you can expect a consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff members. They’ll ask you about what brought you to the office as well as complete a comprehensive health history. The doctor will review the information and chat some more with you about your health and goals. They will also do an examination to determine the source of your discomfort and take x-rays of any relevant areas. The doctor will review your x-rays and exam with you to help you understand your health, explain your treatment plan and options, and answer any questions that may come up. The doctor will then provide your first adjustment based on your consultation and exam.
Generally speaking, adjustments do not hurt. Some popping and clicking might be heard due to gas releasing from the joint being released. An adjusting instrument may also be used, which will feel like tapping. The doctor will talk you throughout the entire experience to help you understand what they feel and why an adjustment may be needed in a certain area.
Following an adjustment, one of three things happens: 1) you may feel better, 2) you feel the same, or 3) you might have some soreness and stiffness after. If you feel better, great! Your body responded well to treatment. If you feel the same, that’s okay. Sometimes it can take several visits to see an effect. Change doesn’t happen overnight; correction and posture take time to achieve. If you feel sore, that happens sometimes. It will feel like muscle soreness after a workout. Getting adjusted is like exercising. The first few times you do an activity it can cause some achiness into your muscles. But the more you continue to do it, the better it gets. If present, the soreness will typically last about 24-48 hours. Icing, stretching, and Biofreeze are all great tools to help with discomfort.
We hope this helps relieve some of the anxiety of starting with a new doctor. We hope to be a long-term partner in your health journey, and we look forward to meeting you!
