What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment

 

As a new chiropractic patient, you may be wondering how you’ll feel after your first spinal or chiropractic adjustment. Many people are anxious before they come in because they associate a spinal adjustment with old-school, painful cracking techniques. The Gonstead Technique is a very specific, precise, and non torqueing adjustment of the vertebra that will help improve your spinal health and reduce nervous system interference. You may also be wondering if it’s going to hurt and when you’ll feel relief from your pain. Because the healing process affects each person differently, there’s no foolproof way to know for sure how you’ll react or how your body will respond to your first treatment. But, you can take comfort in knowing that a sense of relief and the healing effects of chiropractic care are often felt within the first few days or weeks after your first chiropractic treatment. Typical treatment plans can range from 4 – 12 appointments, for complete pain relief and spinal stabilization.    

First Visit

 

During your initial visit, you’ll be asked about your medical history, current condition, pain or symptoms, and if you’ve had any injuries sustained from sports, car accidents, or other physically traumatic events. Once the Doctor reviews the forms you completed, including any examination reports you may have brought in, he will complete a thorough examination and consultation. The Doctor may suggest that special Chiropractic X-rays be taken of your spine to determine what course of treatment or technique will be best for your body.

Many things cause our vertebra to become misaligned or misplaced. These stuck joints, known as subluxations, are the result of improper motion of spinal bones, which can affect nerve communications between your brain and your body. This means that they can choke or irritate nearby nerves, causing numerous problems with your health. Just some of these problems include headaches, back and neck pain, and even stomach problems. An adjustment will add motion to the subluxations, drastically reducing their effect on your nervous system.

Massage Therapy Treatment

 

The Doctor may incorporate Massage Therapy, along with your spinal adjustment(s), as part of your overall treatment. Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to reduce muscle spasm, dysfunction and pain. Most massage treatments will be from 30-60 minutes, and often before your spinal adjustment(s).