If you are considering getting a spinal adjustment for the first time, your first visit to the chiropractor will be very much like visiting any other healthcare provider. A typical visit will include the initial patient intake, physical exam, treatment, and follow-up plan. These procedures help your chiropractor assess, track, and modify your treatment plan as needed. Here’s what you can expect at your first chiropractic appointment.
Your First Chiropractic Appointment: What to Expect
Patient Intake
You will fill out a questionnaire at the beginning of your appointment. The questionnaire will help assess your current health condition, medical history, and any isolated or chronic injuries. Your chiropractor will ask about your profession and any physical activities that exacerbate pain and discomfort. The patient intake is a great time to communicate your pain history and health goals.
The Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the chiropractor will assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. The chiropractor will pay especially close attention to the neck and spine areas, which is the core area of chiropractic care. From there, the chiropractor will examine any specific areas of discomfort in the body.
An X-ray of your spine may also be taken. Why would an x-ray be necessary? Well, the X-ray helps your chiropractor understand the structure and integrity of your bone anatomy. The X-ray also helps the chiropractor see the extent of wear-and-tear and any anomalies in your spine.
Your First Chiropractic Appointment: Getting Immediate Relief
After the first consultation and exam, your chiropractor will determine if you can benefit from receiving a back adjustment. More often than not, your chiropractor will be able to adjust your spine and provide immediate pain relief. Your first adjustment will take place on a comfortable padded table made specifically for chiropractic care. Adjustments may be performed while you are face down, on your side, sitting upright, or lying on your back.
Creating a Treatment Plan
It is not uncommon for your chiropractor to recommend multiple sessions. If you have chronic pain, a high level of discomfort, or bear multiple issues at once, you will likely need ongoing care. This can mean regular weekly sessions, reduced to monthly, with the ultimate goal of ongoing care only as needed. Your chiropractor will take into consideration your overall health, physical condition, and goals to create a treatment plan.
Are you in pain? Contact Ideal Health Chiropractic today to schedule your initial consultation.