visiting a chiropractor
Visiting a chiropractor can be nerve-racking experience, particularly if you don’t know what to expect. Here we give you the low-down on what will happen when you visit a chiropractor for the first time:
Firstly, the chiropractor will ask you questions to get an accurate picture of the problem. You will be asked to answer questions about your working conditions, previous diseases, operations, medicine taken, and your general lifestyle.
Before any chiropractic treatment can be given you will be examined thoroughly so the chiropractor can make a precise diagnosis. During the examination, the patient's blood pressure and pulse will be taken, while the chiropractor may also listen to the patient's heart and lungs. An X-ray on the part of the body where the problem is may also be taken, along with orthopaedic (bone) and neurological (nerve) tests.
Once the chiropractor has diagnosed the problem, you will be advised what chiropractic treatment is necessary and appointments will be made for future treatment. Your first examination is likely to take between 30 minutes and an hour, but after that you may only need 15 minutes at a time for chiropractic treatment. The number of visits you need to make to a chiropractor will depend on your particular condition and its severity.
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed, in which case the treatment will probably be modified. Don’t worry if you hear clicking or popping noises during the treatment, this is perfectly normal.
As well as offering pain relief and easing stiff joints and muscle tension, an important part of chiropractic treatment is to teach you how to take care of their own body, so expect to be given a programme of exercises to do at home.
Once the problem has been relieved, the chiropractor will talk to you to identify any strains that your body is exposed to, such as at work, home or playing sport. The chiropractor can then advise you on the best ways to prevent future problems.