Some people experience a bit of nerves or stress when it comes to setting any kind of medical appointment, especially in a new setting. If this is your first time at the chiropractor, you might be wondering what to expect and how you can best prepare for your visit. When you search online, it can be confusing to see various accounts of people’s experiences at the chiropractor, and it can be difficult to know who to believe. Here’s everything you need to know about your first chiropractic visit to help you feel comfortable and ready to improve your health.
What to Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor for the First Time
Before you undergo any kind of treatment, your chiropractor will sit down and chat with you. This conversation will function like a consultation, where your chiropractor gets to know you a bit and learn about your goals and concerns regarding treatment. This conversation can help your chiropractor understand what is going on and how they can best help you. After the initial consultation with the chiropractor, here’s what to expect on your first visit.
Chiropractic Diagnostic & Imaging
In many cases, your chiropractor will want to get a better look at your spine or any injured areas. Whether you come in for routine maintenance or are looking for treatment after a car accident injury, your chiropractor will want to get a better look at the affected area. Diagnostic imaging may include X-rays to get a look at your spine, bones, and joints. They will likely also perform a physical examination of your spine and any areas of concern.
Get Started on a Personalized Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Once your chiropractor has a solid understanding of your current health and any diagnoses, they will then start to develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. Your first visit to the chiropractor will likely involve an adjustment. This is the cornerstone of chiropractic care and is a quick and painless process.
Chiropractic Care Costs
The costs for chiropractic care will vary depending on a few factors. At Affordable Chiropractic Killeen, we will provide you with open and transparent communication about all costs associated with your chiropractic treatment so that you know what to expect with each session.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments involve identifying any misalignments in the spine and joints, then using non-invasive techniques to resolve those gently and safely. You may hear some popping or cracking sounds during the adjustment. These sounds are expected and nothing to worry about. Your chiropractor may also use therapeutic massage, soft tissue mobilization, and other hands-on techniques to address your pain, discomfort, and other reasons for visiting the chiropractor.
Should You Be Sore After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Many people worry about whether their visit to the chiropractor will be painful. In most cases, chiropractic adjustments do not cause any pain, though they may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first. You could experience some soreness after a chiropractic adjustment. Discomfort is typically brief and usually related to your muscles adjusting to new and healthier positions.
How to Prepare for Your First Time at a Chiropractor
Whether you are going to the chiropractor for the first time because of a specific injury or because you are interested in a holistic approach to your healthcare, our team of chiropractors can help. Here are a few ways you can best prepare for your first time at the chiropractor.
Write Down Your Questions for Your Chiropractor
One of the best things you can do is to write down any questions you have before the appointment. It is quite common to get into a conversation about your healthcare goals and accidentally forget all the questions you want to ask. By jotting these questions down ahead of time, you can feel more prepared. Getting answers to your questions can also help alleviate any lingering anxiety or stress about your first appointment.
Provide Your Chiropractor with Your Medical History
Your chiropractor will need to get a thorough medical history for a full picture of your health. A medical history may include any recent injuries or surgeries, any health conditions you are dealing with, and other factors. Information like hereditary conditions or predispositions to certain conditions can also be helpful. The more information your chiropractor has to work with, the best they can provide you with quality treatment and care.
Dress for Comfort for Your Chiropractic Session
You can dress comfortably for your chiropractic sessions. You may choose to wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. Think of what clothing you feel most comfortable in, whether that be yoga pants, leggings, or comfortable running shorts. You won’t need to remove any clothing because chiropractic adjustments can be performed over your clothing.
How Long Before You See Chiropractic Results?
Some people experience immediate relief after chiropractic adjustments. After your first time at the chiropractor’s office, it could take a few sessions before you experience results. Your body is getting used to new and improved ways of functioning, which can take a while for your muscles and soft tissues to adjust to. Talk to your chiropractor if you have any questions or concerns about how soon or often you will experience results.
Why Choose Affordable Chiropractic at Killeen?
At Affordable Chiropractic Killeen, our chiropractors are friendly and excited to introduce you to the world of chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will sit down and chat with you to help you feel at ease about the treatment. We will also help you understand the benefits of a natural treatment approach to helping you meet your healthcare goals. Call or visit us today to schedule your first chiropractic visit with Affordable Chiropractic Killeen!