It can be a bit nerve-wracking to embark on any kind of new health treatment and Chiropractic is no exception. Jokes about back cracking don’t help allay fears and the picture in your head of what might happen can be quite different to what initial consultation and ongoing treatment might look like.
Here’s a beginner’s guide if you’ve never been to a chiropractor before.
Chiropractic care is a holistic health approach that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on overall well-being. Your first visit to a chiropractor should always begin with a comprehensive consultation with lots of questions to help them get a clear picture of your medical history, current health concerns, and any specific pain-related issues. There may be questions about your lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, and stress levels, but don’t feel judged – these are just a way of understanding all the factors that can contribute to you feeling less than fabulous.
Following the initial consultation, the chiropractor will conduct a physical examination to assess your posture, range of motion, and muscle strength. They will often recommend diagnostic imaging to get a more detailed view of your spine and joints, but this won’t always be the case. Once the initial assessment is complete, the chiropractor will provide you with a report of their findings and explain how treatment can benefit you. They will outline a personalised plan based on your unique needs and goals. Make sure you ask all the questions you want at this point if anything sounds daunting.
From then on, you’ll come in as many times as they think is needed for an adjustment (these appointments are often only 10 minutes long). They may use their hands or specialised instruments like an activator or table to apply controlled force to specific joints – it’s nowhere near as scary as you might think and they always explain things very clearly first. You may be surprised how much even one treatment can improve your overall state of being – chronic pain can make you feel fatigued and brain fogged and it’s amazing how a physical adjustment can relieve not only the pain at the site itself but in your entire body, and often your mind.
In addition to hands-on treatments, chiropractors will often provide suggestions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This may include advice on ergonomics, exercises, stretches, and dietary recommendations. Remember, clear communication with your chiropractor is what makes the whole thing work, so feel free to ask questions and always make sure the person treating you is the right fit for your personality. It might all seem a bit foreign at the start but before you know it you’ll be looking forward to seeing your chiro’s friendly face and feeling so much better after a session with them.
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