If you’re exploring chiropractic treatment for the first time, you’ve made the right choice. Chiropractic care is a natural and effective way to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and a host of other conditions. There are many types of chiropractic treatments, but all of them have the goal to help the body heal and relieve pain in the most natural way possible. While chiropractors are doctors and you may have been to many other doctors, you may not know how this kind of treatment works, so here are some tips to help you get the most of out of your appointment:
Be Honest and Open
On your first visit, you will be asked to provide your medical history, after which you and the doctor will discuss your current physical condition. Be sure to tell the chiropractor what you’ve been through, both recent and in the past, and include information such as your daily or weekly activities that you may be hindered to due pain. For instance, if you have trouble bending over, lifting your arms over your head, or sitting in a desk chair for an extended period, this is the type of information your doctor will need to know. Let them know the exact site of the pain and how often it occurs, along with any injuries or accidents, surgeries, and even medications you are taking. This will help them assess your condition and how to help you best.
Take Necessary Steps and Make Changes
Once the chiropractor has examined you and understands your condition, they will recommend a course of treatment, which they will go over with you in detail. This will include the type and frequency of adjustments, as well as additional therapies. This may also include instructions to follow at home; stretches, exercises, and change in diet are often recommended between treatments. One of the worst things you can do is get your adjustment and then go home and ignore the other in-between maintenance steps your doctor recommends.
Listen to Your Chiropractor
Spinal problems often come about because of the lifestyle you lead. Your work, habits, or recreational activities may be the cause of your pain. Whether standing too much, sitting too much, not exercising or stretching, or some other type of repetitive motion, tell your chiropractor what your activity consists of.
If your doctor says that your life is going to have to change, he will usually give you small steps to take on a daily basis, but these are vital for your improvement. Let him know what is realistic, and work with, not against, this process.
Some chiropractors are also trained in nutrition and other related disciplines. You may be asked to introduce dietary changes in order to improve your health, such as drinking more water, taking vitamins, eating more vegetables or less junk food. Several studies have shown that inflammation and healing can be drastically affected by diet. It is in your best interest to follow this advice.
