What to Expect During and After a Chiropractic Adjustment

What to Expect During and After a Chiropractic AdjustmentMany patients are intimidated during their initial visit to a chiropractor. If you've never been before, it's understandable you may get a case of the first-time scares.

But, keep in mind that at any given time, 31 million people experience lower-back pain. Of that figure, millions seek out medical help from a licensed practitioner.

That's because the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment are immense. Most patients experience immediate relief and are eager to come back for a realignment.

Make sure you schedule an initial consultation with your practitioner. This is the time where they learn more about you and your ailments and discuss treatment options. If you're still feeling unsure about an upcoming visit, know there's nothing to fear. Here's what to expect.

Consultation

Let's start at the beginning. Before your chiropractor begins treatment, they need to find the root of the problem. They'll ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Be prepared to talk about when the pain first started, as well as how it's progressed. They'll want you to describe your pain and rank its severity level.

A chiropractic exam will be conducted to pinpoint the specific areas that need work. The practitioner will have you go through a variety of tests (all painless), so they can make observations.

They'll examine how toned your muscles are, as well as their strength. Testing your range of motion is also a key component of these initial exams. Ultimately, your provider should have a better understanding of neurological pain-points.

An MRI or Xray may also be taken, especially if the pain appears to be more severe. These are usually only conducted, if absolutely essential. However, keep in mind not all diagnostic studies reveal abnormalities.

During a Chiropractic Adjustment

Once results are in, your chiropractor can provide a more thorough diagnosis and begin treatment.

Often, treatment cannot be completed in one sitting, so you could be asked to make multiple visits. You and your provider can establish a time frame when discussing the goals of your treatment.

From here, your appointments will be focused on realigning and making "adjustments". If you have pain in certain joints, your chiropractor may also target these areas, as well.

Adjustment typically involves a mix of manipulation techniques performed by the practitioner. They'll work to open up specific joints by using a variety of leveraging and controlled force. The joints along your spine will be targeted the most.

However, it's a possibility your chiropractor will focus on other joints, as well. Don't be surprised if they go after knees, wrists, elbows, etc. This will restore or improve their function.

If you ever find yourself in pain during the chiropractic adjustment, ask for them to go easier. They should be able to use a more mild technique.

What Happens After a Chiropractic Adjustment

Your chiropractor will have you do some things at home to stay consistent with treatment. This is especially true if you require multiple appointments.

To heal properly, it's crucial you follow the exact orders from your physician. You may be asked to do a variety of stretches and other movements, or simply rest.

Your nerve system will begin to adjust, which impacts many other areas of your body. That's because the nervous system is at the core of all movement and coordination. It has a major influence on the sensations of your other functions.

For instance, you'll notice an improvement in blood pressure and blood sugar. Your digestion tract and immune system should also improve.

Listen to your body. You may feel sore after an appointment and that's okay. You'll probably notice some positive changes in your posture and breathing patterns.

Use ice on treated areas every two hours for up to 20 minutes. This will help reduce inflammation from the applied pressure. But, refrain from using heat as that can restrict blood flow, which defeats the purpose of an adjustment.

General Advice For After a Visit

Here are a few housekeeping tips that you should know before making an appointment.

For starters, you may want to rest or at least take it easy after an appointment. This will help your body avoid any distress or damage during its healing process. You should refrain from working-out and other strenuous activity directly after.

When you begin exercising again, you'll notice some changes in the treated areas. But, try to avoid any movement that places too much stress on the neck and back.

It's also good to not schedule multiple treatment options very closely together. This includes massage therapy, reiki sessions, other chiropractic care, etc.

To make the most of each therapy session, you'll want to give your body time to adjust. By scheduling these so close together, you're not allowing yourself to maximize benefit from each individual session.

Immediately after the adjustment, you should avoid doing a "sit up" position. Instead, lay on your side and raise up with both arms to not destabilize any joints.

Let's Wrap This Up

Pain relief is possible. Opting for more holistic treatment is the best way to improve, as it actually cures the problem. Drugs, on the other hand, only mask symptoms and often lead to worse injury.

If you're ready to rid yourself of lingering health concerns, now is the time. It's best to target the problem as soon as possible to avoid causing further distress.

Atlas Chiropractic works with individuals to provide the appropriate chiropractic adjustment. Many of our patients come to us to heal upper cervical conditions, as well as disc and nerve pain.

Overall body wellness helps you become the best version of yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options that will fuel your healing.

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