First Chiropractic Visit & what to expect
Some people go to the chiropractor because they think it’s good for their body. Some people go because there is a certain problem they are having they want fixed. When the symptoms disappear and the client feels fine they think they are done with their chiropractic care and they don’t need to come back again. Which if they are just looking for a symptom cure then they are done, but there’s a lot more to chiropractic care than just symptom relief and that’s the overall maintaining wellness. Feeling better and actually being better are very different. People often base their health on how they feel, but sometimes how you feel is not the best indicator of an issue. During each visit Dr. Cook may tell you about problems that are occurring that you did not realize were occurring, which can be effecting not just how you feel, but how your body works internally and externally.
If you have never been to a chiropractor before you may not know what to expect. Going to the chiropractor is somewhat similar to any other doctor’s visit and there shouldn’t be a need to feel anxious for the first visit. Each visit after the first one should take less than 15 minutes so you can squeeze in a visit on your lunch break!
First you will fill out forms (everybody hates paperwork) about your medical and family history and current symptoms. Then Dr. Cook will start a general chiropractic consultation by asking questions like:
Where is your pain?
How long have you had this pain?
What is the severity of the pain?
After this initial chiropractic interview she will then begin a general examination with basic orthopedic tests. She will have you move your body in certain ways to observe how you move and check your reflexes. Finally, after the consultation she will do the adjustments needed which normally takes one to two minutes.
There are three different ways to do an adjustment. Dr. Cook prefers the manual method. When lying on the adjusting table featured above, Dr. Cook will start by looking at your feet and will adjust your back based on what she sees. A manual adjustment takes place with a deep breath out and Dr. Cook pushing down in the direction the bones need to move. The next type of adjustment is the table-assisted adjustment. This is where Dr. Cook will move the parts of the table up and down quickly to move the body into a correct position. The last type of adjustment is the activator, which looks like a mini pogo stick. This stick is used at the base of the vertebrae and pushes the bones into place.
What should you wear to your visits?
Although you can wear anything you want to a chiropractic appointment here are a few pointers to make you feel more comfortable. Remember to wear comfortable clothing. You will be asked to bend at many joint areas, especially if you are having certain pain areas. Tight jeans or clothing will make it hard to move these areas. For women it would be best not to wear long, dangling earrings or excessive jewelry. The chiropractor will ask to move your head and may need to do neck adjustments that can become uncomfortable if jewelry gets in the way. You will be asked to lay on your stomach, back and sides so be sure to wear clothes that will not make you feel awkward. If you are wearing multiple layers and jackets you may need to remove some of them so that the doctor can see when your body moves.
Be sure after your first chiropractic visit to schedule your next one and stay consistent with your visits for the maximum benefit. If you have any questions or concerns please make sure to call and ask! It is normal for there to be a little discomfort, and possibly a slight headache. These symptoms should not last long. Remember to pay attention to your body and how you feel after each chiropractic session so you can tell Dr. Cook on the next visit.
Ready to schedule a consult? Click Here!
