First-Time Chiropractic Patient? Be Sure To Ask These Questions

Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can be part-exciting, part-nerve wracking. On one hand, you're thrilled with the idea of finally meeting a health practitioner who will be able to alleviate your physical pain. On the other hand, you're not sure what to expect during the adjustment itself. The goods news is that you can ask all the questions you need to feel informed during your initial appointment. Your first visit to the chiropractor will often be longer than subsequent visits; the former provides the opportunity for the chiropractor to not only assess your body and ask you a series of questions about the pain you're experiencing, but also gives you a chance to voice any questions. Here are three that are worth asking.

How Many Adjustments Do You Expect I'll Need?

It's always a good idea to talk about the chiropractor's expectations for your treatment plan during your first visit. While he or she might need to first perform an adjustment to ascertain how your body responds to the treatment, you can expect the chiropractor to provide you with an estimate of how many sessions you'll need before your pain is a thing of the past. Chiropractors, like those at Cabana Court Chiropractic massage therapy, often put together this estimate by considering previous patients with similar physical conditions and also evaluating your body through the use of an X-ray.

What Will I Feel During The Adjustment?

If you're a little nervous about the adjustment itself, it's best to tackle this apprehension head-on by asking about it. Your chiropractor will explain the physical sensations you'll feel during the adjustment and afterward. It's worth noting that many chiropractic adjustments are completely devoid of pain; others might be temporarily uncomfortable if your body is drastically misaligned. If you feel intimidated by the idea of the adjustment, your chiropractor can perform some minor adjustments to get you comfortable with the process before performing a major adjustment.

How Can I Speed Up The Healing Process?

Chiropractic care is ideal because patients can play a role in their ability to heal. It's beneficial to discuss what you can do to maximize your adjustments. Your chiropractor will likely have a long list of suggestions, including applying ice to any sore muscles and performing some simple exercises -- such as walking -- after your appointment to help limber up your muscles and get your blood flowing. He or she will also talk about any activities that can interfere with healing, such as sitting for long periods of time.