What to Expect During and After a Chiropractic Adjustment
Unless you have some familiarity with chiropractic treatment, the whole thing may seem strange and scary. If your medical doctor has recommended that you give the treatment offered by a chiropractor a try, it helps to get some exposure to what it typically involves. A chiropractic adjustment may prove beneficial in a variety of situations. Explore the ways an adjustment can help you and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Before the Adjustment Appointment
The first meeting with a chiropractor does not involve treatment. It is an intake or assessment appointment during which the practitioner asks you questions about your medical history. This is the time for you to express what brought you there and any concerns or hesitations you have with treatment. The chiropractor will also review any diagnostic or surgical records provided. Often, the provider will perform a cursory exam of your alignment, posture, and gait. You may have to undergo x-rays or additional diagnostic testing as requested by the practitioner.
The Mechanics of an Adjustment
When you go back to get your first spinal adjustment, the chiropractor will talk you through it. The treatment begins with you lying in a specified position on the exam table. Most likely, you will be face down on a padded surface. Next, the provider will either use his or her hands or specialized tools to place pressure on various points on your back. The adjustment occurs when the provider uses sudden force on these areas to push your spine into alignment.
The Sounds and Sensations of an Adjustment
While the chiropractor is working on your back, you will hear popping sounds that can get relatively loud, depending on the location of the adjustment. You may feel some slight unpleasantness, but should not feel bad pain. Be sure to communicate any real discomfort to the chiropractor. As the provider works to force your vertebrae into alignment, you may feel a slight tingling and prickly sensations.
What to Expect Following Treatment
The first 24 hours after your initial spinal adjustment may find you feeling exhausted and sore. Your back and neck may seem bruised, and you could have some dull pain. The practitioner’s office will likely have you come back in to be examined and express how you feel the day after your first adjustment. They also want to ensure that you are not having pain or discomfort that gets in the way of your healing. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to help control pain due to other conditions, so making you feel worse can’t possibly help you heal.
For more insight into the type of medical conditions that can and can’t be treated with spinal adjustment, set an appointment with a local chiropractor.
