What to Expect on Your First Chiropractic Visit

Most people first visit a chiropractor only when they are suffering from intolerable pain and injury. What people may not realize, is that a chiropractor not only treats the obvious symptoms, but also the unnoticed problems, and causes for them. So if you haven’t been to a chiropractor yet then consider going for your first chiropractic visit before the symptoms begin and you’re miserable.

Some people may have lived their whole lives enduring a slight headache or back pain every now and then. They think it’s normal, take some pain relievers, and go on with their daily activities.

What they don’t realize is that, in some ways, the slight headache affects their performance at work and even their emotional state.

Getting regular chiropractic care will help your body get a full system recovery, and will immensely improve your life. But before you become a chiropractic care regular, you must have your first visit to a chiropractor. All great journeys start with that one little step.

So as your first step to chiropractic recovery, what should you expect on your first visit to a chiropractor?

What to Wear During a First Chiropractic Visit

Though there is no required dress code for visiting a chiropractor, it’s better to wear comfortable clothes. This will avoid unnecessary discomfort for you and your chiropractor during your physical tests and examination. For instance, if you have a knee or leg injury, don’t wear a mini-skirt. Because for that you will have to raise and/or bend your knees or legs. Don’t give yourself any reason to feel awkward during your examination. Because it might interfere with the chiropractor being able to do a proper examination. Some chiropractors gown their patients and drape as necessary which makes the above less of an issue. You might feel uncomfortable in a patient gown though if you’re shy, or you happen to not be wearing any undergarments.

Personal Information & Medical History on Your First Visit

The office staff will ask you to fill out your personal and insurance information, if any, on the patient intake forms. You will be asked about the nature of your visit and your health history. This will include any of the doctors you have seen for your current condition prior to your visit. In addition to more specific questions about your condition, as well as your daily activities, and your home and occupational settings.

This information about your current and past conditions will better enable the chiropractic doctor to evaluate and determine the possible cause of your condition.  This will help you chiropractor determine the ideal selection of what chiropractic methods to use.

A Physical Exam During a Chiropractic Visit

The physical exam is a thorough process wherein vital signs, such as pulse and breathing rates, blood pressure, etc., will be checked. Your reflexes will be evaluated. Orthopedic and neurological tests will be conducted. The muscle tone, strength, and range of motion of the affected area will be tested. You might also be asked to execute specific movements to determine how well your body performs.

Diagnostic Testing & Treatment on Your Chiropractic Visit

When all the gathered information, including your physical exam, have been evaluated, your chiropractor will discuss with you her/his diagnosis of your condition and treatment recommendations. Depending on the examination, you may need to undergo an x-ray exam, MRI, and/or some laboratory tests. You may be recommended to make a follow-up appointment. The severity of your condition and the selected chiropractic method will determine the number of visits you may have to make. Depending on your condition, you may also be recommended to get supplemental therapy such as massage, acupressure/acupuncture, laser therapy, craniosacral therapy, taking supplements (e.g. vitamins or herbs), etc. The chiropractor will make these recommendations if s/he thinks it will lead to a faster recovery or allow your body to heal itself better or more completely.

The length of the first chiropractic visit will depend on what conditions you are presenting with. This affects how long your examination and tests take. Most patients’ first visits to a chiropractor will usually be less than an hour though. The first chiropractic adjustment frequently, but not always, provides some degree of relief. Don’t expect an instant full recovery on your first chiropractic visit! In most cases, though you can expect improvement. In some cases, you may not notice this improvement right away though. Chiropractic helps the body to heal itself during the course of care, so maintaining your chiropractic care plan is necessary, not only for pain relief but also to achieve full or maximum correction.