Things to Know Before a Chiropractic Visit

Individuals who have never sought chiropractic care may be nervous and wonder what to expect at their first appointment. While every office is different, most first appointments include many of the same features.

Patients will come to the office and fill out some paperwork. Because some insurance companies will pay all or part of a visit, it is recommended that individuals check with their insurance company before hand to see what, if anything, their insurance will pay. If the treatment is covered, then it will be necessary to bring insurance information and plan to spend some time filling out paperwork so that the bill can be sent to an insurance company for payment.

What to Expect
After filling out paperwork, the patient will have a chance to consult with the chiropractor and explain why they are there and what they are hoping to get from the treatment.
What happens after this point varies by office. Some will use an ultrasound machine to warm up the muscles. This technique also helps to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. It increases the patient's ability to move without pain. It also increases circulation to the area where the injury has occurred. Ultrasound is painless and many people enjoy this part of the treatment and say that it is relaxing.
On your first visit, the doctor will likely do a spinal adjustment for people who came for care to treat acute pain. These people will often be given a very gentle adjustment. Many people find that this brings immediate relief to the pain that they are experiencing.
Depending on the office, the doctor may also take a patient's x-rays, and assign exercises or stretches for the patient to do at home.
Techniques
Traditionally, the main techniques used by a chiropractor include manipulating the spine and joints as well as the soft tissue. Many offices also incorporate home exercises and information about preventing spine injuries as part of treatment.
However, in recent years, chiropractic offices have been shifting their focus to more than just spinal manipulation. While many still do focus on things like spinal decompression and adjustments, chiropractors are also incorporating treatments like electrotherapy, injections for osteoarthritis pain, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more.

Reasons for Treatment
People seek chiropractic care for many things such as pain relief after an auto accident, back pain, headaches, problems with knees or other joints, and even to lose weight. Low back pain has been sighted to be the most common reason people seek care. However, as many chiropractors are expanding their treatment areas to more than just back pain, it's common for people to see a chiropractor for any musculoskeletal problem they might normally see a medical doctor for.

Research
Existing research has shown chiropractic care to be effective for low back pain, neck pain, some forms of headache and some joint conditions. Spinal adjustments are considered safe when done by a skilled and properly trained individual. Additionally, treatments like Hyalgan injections for knee and joint osteoarthritis pain are FDA approved and are very effective for pain relief.