Are you feeling nervous about your first trip to the chiropractor? If you have not yet experienced a natural, non-invasive type of medical treatment before then you might find yourself weary of what to expect. You may also have tried a variety of other medical treatments for a specific injury or chronic pain and have not yet been able to find lasting relief. Whatever leads you to seek our chiropractic clinics in Marietta, Ga, there are a few common things to expect when going to the chiropractor for the first time.
Initial Visit
An initial visit to the chiropractor’s office is also sometimes referred to as the initial consultation. At this visit, you will meet with the chiropractor and discuss what brings you in. This is where it is helpful to discuss not only what is bothering you, such as a neck pain or chronic lower back pain, but also what you are hoping to get out of chiropractic treatment. The consultation allows for the chiropractor to get to know you better and learn more about your history.
You might find yourself wondering how to know whether or not this chiropractor is a good fit. The initial visit is the perfect chance to get to know your chiropractor, their chiropractic style, and how they develop a treatment plan for you. You want to feel comfortable and safe with the chiropractor because so you are okay with going into detail about your pain and discomfort. The more you are able to trust your chiropractor going forward, the more comfortable you will be in asking questions and clarifications as you go through the treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging
It is common for chiropractors to use diagnostic imaging tools to help with diagnosing specific injuries to the neck and back, as well as for monitoring progress. The most common diagnostic imaging test chiropractors use is the X-ray, which offers them a clear picture of your bones and joints. X-rays also help chiropractors identify any areas of concern even when injuries are not present, such as a misalignment in your spine that may be contributing to your chronic pain or discomfort. These tools are meant to supplement your chiropractor’s assessment and diagnosis.
First Adjustment
Your first adjustment may or may not take place during your initial visit, depending on your current injury or pain as well as the chiropractor’s preferred style of treatment. Sometimes a chiropractor may want to schedule you for an X-ray during the initial visit before following up with your first adjustment in the next appointment. Regardless of the first or second meeting, your first adjustment will include a physical examination of the spine in the neck and back, as well as adjustments to any areas where necessary. Your chiropractor will identify any areas of concern, like where a vertebra may be slightly misaligned, and perform an adjustment to realign the joints properly.
It is not uncommon to feel mild discomfort after your first adjustment, and this is not a bad thing! Chiropractic care is all about using natural techniques to help your body heal itself, and part of that is teaching your body how to support a proper spine. If you have been living with a spine that has been misaligned for a long time then the first adjustment to restore proper posture might leave you feeling uncomfortable at first as your muscles adjust to supporting your spine in this new position. You may also notice a burst of energy afterward, or even feeling tired and in need of a restorative nap. This is your body’s way of adjusting to this new normal.
Common Misconceptions
One of the most common misunderstandings about chiropractic care is the idea of “popping” your back or neck. Some may even fear the popping sound that comes with cracking or popping your knuckles, much less your back or neck. But the truth of it is: that popping sound isn’t your bones cracking together at all! In fact, when you pop your knuckles or you get a chiropractic adjustment on your neck or back and it makes that popping sound, it is actually the sound of air being released between joints. This is a perfectly normal sound and is not a signal of something bad happening in the body. If you have any concerns about the sounds or feelings that happen when you get an adjustment from a chiropractor, you should feel comfortable sharing those concerns so you can learn more about what is actually happening to help put your mind at ease.
If you are looking for a chiropractor to see for the first time and aren’t sure where to start among the many chiropractors in the greater Atlanta area, check out AICA Orthopedics for a list of clinics in Marietta and more. Chiropractors are available at each location and have the experience and knowledge to help you through your first chiropractic experience. Call us today!