Chiropractor appointments can do a lot to help alleviate back pain and other problems that you may be suffering from. However, if you’ve never been to a chiropractor then the thought of going may be intimidating. We’re conditioned to understand the vulnerability of our spine. So, for some, the thought of a chiropractor making adjustments to this delicate area can make people uncomfortable. The professionals at A Family Chiropractic Clinic in Denton, Texas understand your fears and hope to ease your mind.
Stepping into Your Chiropractor’s Office
A chiropractic appointment isn’t that different from any other medical appointment. When you arrive you’ll do your initial intake paperwork. The chiropractor will perform a physical exam prior to providing treatment. At the end of your appointment you and the doctor will create a follow-up plan if needed.
Most chiropractic offices are set up in a way that is very similar to your medical doctor’s office. There’s usually a waiting area including a front desk. Some offices may have the tables in one large open room, while others may have individual rooms. There’s typically a room for x-rays as well. The biggest differences you will notice are the adjustment tables. These are the tables on which you will lie while the chiropractor performs the adjustments. Most of these tables are adjustable in several ways but are designed for your comfort.
Beginning your Chiropractor Appointment
Upon your arrival, after checking in at the front desk, you’ll be provided with a questionnaire about your health history. The questionnaire will also ask you if you are currently experiencing any pain or discomfort. You should also note the intensity of the pain.
The initial physical exam begins like any other physical exam. Your chiropractor will then focus more on your spine, narrowing in on the areas that are giving you troubles. Due to the complexity of the spine, the area where you experience pain may be a result of an injury elsewhere. This is why they examine your entire spine. The chiropractor will assess you by checking your range of motion, reflexes, and strengths. They’ll also use palpation along with neurological and orthopedic tests to help create a whole picture of the issue at hand.
Treatment Plans from Your Chiropractor
After the chiropractor has evaluated your situation they will recommend a treatment plan. When considering a treatment plan they will take into consideration the extent of your injury and level of pain or discomfort along with your general health and condition of your spine. Your treatment plan will also set goals, which is one of the most important parts of the plan.
The goal of most treatment plans is to relieve pain and discomfort. However, some patients have a goal of improving their general health through chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will advise you of the status of your condition while recommending an approach that will help you meet your goals. This is an excellent time to ask questions to ensure that you fully understand the treatment plan and any possible alternatives.
Chiropractor Adjustments
The adjustments that you’ll experience during your treatment plan are therapeutic manipulations using controlled force and leverage directed at adjusting specific joints. These adjustments also take into account amplitude, direction, and velocity which are all crucial aspects of a proper chiropractic adjustment. While the adjustments are mostly made to the spine, it’s not uncommon for your chiropractor to adjust other joints as well. These may include ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. The goal is to restore alignment to the structure of your body while improving joint function. If your body is out of alignment then it will not function properly. Over time, this misalignment can cause your muscles to overcompensate which leave them more susceptible to injury and chronic pain.
To properly adjust your alignment and restore healthy function your chiropractor will likely suggest a series of adjustments to incrementally restore normal function. The frequency of the adjustments depends largely on your situation and the amount of pain that you’re experiencing. Adjustments may be spaced out anywhere from every few days to several weeks. It’s likely that your chiropractor will also recommend other therapies to accompany your adjustments such as ice or heat therapy, electrical stimulation therapy, exercises, or counselling about lifestyle choices.
Alternative Adjustment Options
For those patients who are unable to tolerate manual adjustments, you should speak to your chiropractor about mild and non-force techniques. These alternate techniques and tools can help you reach the same result, though the duration of your treatment plan may vary.
Regardless of the treatment plan that you reach with your chiropractor, the most important thing is to build a comfortable and trusting relationship. Do not hesitate to ask questions about your condition or treatment plan, and don’t be afraid to ask about alternate options if you aren’t comfortable with the plan that your chiropractor suggested. By working together you can create a treatment plan that will help treat your condition while keeping you comfortable.
