What Should I Expect at My 1St Chiropractor Appt.?

This link might be helpful--it is from my chiropractor's website and it is about the first visit. Good luck! My chiropractor has worked wonders for me, as I really hate taking medications if I don't need to, and he has done much more for my back pain than my (really great) MD was able to do for me.

http://www.spinalandsportsrehab.com/new-patients/first-vi...

I've been to a few chiropractors since we have moved to a few different cities. They all work a bit differently, I have found. In general, you will have to fill out a medical history, the doctor will want to know where you hurt, if any events in particular led to the pain, they'll do some range-of-motion tests (lift your hand over your head, turn your head the other direction, easy things just to determine what your issues are). Then the doctor will manipulate your spine or other joints in order to properly align them. It will not hurt, but sometimes the sounds your spine makes as the bones pop back into alignment can be surprising! You may need a few adjustments in order to get yourself back into alignment - you'll probably feel a lot better after the first visit, but just be aware you may need more visits to feel totally better.

They will talk to you first, possibly get xrays, and if they are newer they may use a device that adjusts you(hate this) or if they are old school the will adjust you by having you lay on your stomach on a table and do manipulations(doesn't hurt). They will also start with how many times you should come to them to get the best possible result. I used to subscribe to this method, I however have come to understand that what is best for me is getting a series of 6-8 adjustments and then start exercising. I save money and my body then takes care of itself. Make sure you understand your total cost, call your health insurance before you go so you understand how and what they pay for. Also call the Chiropratic office and find out how much they charge if you pay cash. I found that I either could pay my copay of 30.00, but cash patients paid 33.00, I then started submitting on my own to the insurance company, had the chrio fill out the insurance form(in case I found out different that they accepted chiro's) and the insurance company then reimbursed me for 50% of what I paid. Saved me alot of money one year.

Depends on the problem. My first time was low voltage (wattage?) electro stim that lightly tensed and relaxed my back muscles. Then I laid on a wave table to move and flex my back. Felt weird at first - but definitely no pain.

When I go now it's just for a "tune-up". I go four times a year. In the 3-5 minute appointment, I sit upright in a chair and relax - the Doc pops my neck, sorry "aligns" my neck. Seems scary up until the very second after he's done, then it feels awesome.

Then I lay on my side and he adjusts my back.

Everytime I have gone, it has been pain free, and pain relieving after I leave. Was that more of what you were wanting to know?

well a good chiro will not even adjust you on the first apointment. you will have a consult and have x-rays more then likely. Then he/she will review consult notes and x-rays and go from there.

Second apt will be review and an idea of what he/she wants to do to proceed, how many times a week, how much, etc.

Then the adjustment....more then likely it will be a few adjustments before you will even feel a difference, and at times you might feel worse before you feel better. but that is a part of the process.

I am waiting for more responses on this one.
I was told by friends to go to the chiropractor.
I spend oodles of time on the computer, but that is because
I sell and buy alot on eBay so I have to if I want to make $$$.
But anyway, this give me neck pain, and leaning forward.
And I am afraid of the scary stories that I have heard
where if they bend you one way and then its painful.
Its this, its that...it all sounds so scary.
Please ... more people tell a great First Time Chiropractor Story
for this....I would love to read!!

After my first appointment I feel in love with my doctor. So did my son and my husband. We have MAD LOVE for our chiro!

If you get adjusted at your first appointment you'll most likely feel it the next day. When the body is out of wack it takes a few visits for your body to adjust to the adjustments.

I have gone in literally CRYING because my neck and shoulders hurt so much and that results in HORRIBLE migraines. After being adjusted I walk out like nothing happened. Back to living without any pain! I consider chiro's "Miracle Worker's!"

You may ALSO need to see a physical therapist depending on your issue. I FINALLY went in when my TMJ was diagnosed. The combination of PT and the adjustments REALLY made a HUGE difference to me. I was exsisting for a long time and not actaully living I was in THAT MUCH PAIN.

Good luck.

I've been adjusted since I was a kid, and have taken my kids since birth, there's nothing scary about it! Everything the others said, and mine does adjustments at your first visit, some don't. It will be great!

They will go over how chiropractic care works and take x-rays. I have been going since I was 17 (41 now) and my daughter since birth. Some will give an adjustment that day and some may not. Most people will feel better right away, but sometimes it takes a little while. Depending on what's out of whack.

I have found that going at least once a month for us helps keep us healthy. I will also take my daughter there first if she gets a cold (runny, stuffy nose, cough). They can give adjustments to help the sinuses drain which may be why my daughter has never had an ear or sinus infection (she is 5).