Patients from sea to shining sea swear by chiropractic treatments for a number of common aches and pains. From headaches and migraines, to arthritis and gastrointestinal issues, the science backs up the effectiveness of the treatment modality. If you’ve recently scheduled your first appointment, here’s what you can expect from your chiropractic adjustment.
The consultation before a chiropractic adjustment
Once you arrive at the clinic, you’ll wait in a waiting room just as you would visiting any other medical provider. You should wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. When your name is called, you will be taken back to a treatment room where you’ll discuss your medical history, at length with your provider. They will make notes, and conduct a physical exam before proceeding with your chiropractic adjustment.
Things to tell your chiropractor
During the consultation, it’s important that you share the details of any pain or other health conditions that you’re currently dealing with. Consider when your pain started, and the root cause of it, if you know. Be prepared to describe the pain to your provider as extensively as you can. Also be prepared to answer questions about pre-existing conditions and family medical history that might be pertinent to your appointment.
Diagnostic tests before a chiropractic adjustment
After going through your medical history and conducting a physical exam, the chiropractor may order diagnostic tests to have a closer look at a problem area. These could include simple X-rays to have a closer look at bone health. Or, if your provider suspects that you’re suffering from damage to the soft tissue, they might order an MRI before developing a thorough treatment plan.
Your chiropractic treatment plan
Once the provider has completed their exams and necessary testing, they will be able to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate the health conditions you’re dealing with. The plan will include regular adjustments that are designed to align the spine. Chiropractors believe that when the spine is fully aligned, better health and healing can occur with a wider range of motion and more flexibility.
