If you are thinking about seeing a chiropractor for the first time, you are probably wondering what is going to happen at your first appointment.
It is normal to be curious about the unknown of a chiropractic care visit.
The procedures used by experienced chiropractors help to assess, track and modify each patients treatment plan as needed.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about chiropractic care.
In this blog, we discuss what you can expect as a first-time chiropractic care patient and how to prepare for your appointment.
Table of contents:
- What to expect on your first visit to the Chiropractor
- Consultation and patient intake
- Physical exam
- Treatment plan
- First chiropractic adjustment
- Follow-up treatment
- Why you should choose Arrowhead Clinic
What to Expect on your First Visit to the Chiropractor
If you have back pain and you're considering Chiropractic Care for the first time, and you don't quite know what to expect, that's completely normal and understandable.
Chiropractic care is consistently evolving to include more up-to-date techniques and strategies that will ultimately help patients achieve the pain relief they need.
The procedures used by experienced chiropractors help to assess, track, and modify each patient's treatment as needed.
Let us take a deeper look at how your first chiropractic appointment with Arrowhead Clinic's Doctors will be.
How Do I Prepare For My First Chiropractic Visit?
Before your initial chiropractic appointment, be sure to gather up your family's medical history.
It may benefit you to write down information as you see fit. Also, be sure to bring a list of any medications you may be taking, as well as the dosage, and any healthcare issues or concerns you may be currently experiencing or facing.
Your chiropractic consultation may involve a lot of information gathering by your chiropractor, so it's best to be prepared to answer all of their questions.
Consultation and Patient Intake
Chiropractic Physicians will begin by taking your patient history to become knowledgeable about any medications, allergies, or prior health conditions.
This history helps the doctor learn more about what you came in for, what your history is, and make an initial evaluation of how to help.
When you arrive at one of our Chiropractic Clinics in Georgia or South Carolina for your first visit, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the very start of your appointment.
This questionnaire is to help our doctors assess your current health condition, along with your previous medical history and any isolated injuries like back pain and muscle strength or chronic issues that you may be experiencing.
In addition to the questionnaire, during your first visit your chiropractor will want to know what you do for a living, if there are any physical activities that you participate in, and your reason for visiting the chiropractor.
The reason your chiropractor will want to know all of this information is to help them determine the exact cause of your pain or injury so they can give you proper care.
Your first visit is the perfect time for you to communicate anything of importance regarding your pain, medical history, and health goals.
Physical Exam
After the chiropractor reviews your paperwork, they’ll do an exam.
They’ll check your reflexes, joints, hip flexors, spine, neck, and posture.
These tests are tailored to address the patient's main complaint whether it's back pain or something else, after which the chiropractor will focus on the spine.
An examination of the entire spine will take place and the doctor will hone in on any specific area that is relevant to your pain.
The Doctors at Arrowhead Clinic will always perform X-ray testing to help them understand the structure and integrity of your bone anatomy.
X-rays are a very important part of the examination process. An x-ray will show the chiropractor the extent of issues involving your spine.
Treatment Plan
Every patient is unique and their treatments are specifically tailored to their particular needs. Chiropractic treatment cannot begin before the initial consultation or the physical exam are complete.
The chiropractors use the information they have gathered to help determine the very best treatment option for you.
It's impossible for us to say that you will need x amount of visits to feel better if an exam has not been performed. Each patient will be different.
While some may recover more quickly than others, each patient's amount of time spent in our office will vary.
Treatments may be adjusted along the way, for example, if you begin to recover more quickly than expected, and adjustment in your plan may be made by the doctor.
First Chiropractic Adjustment
We always encourage our patients to receive their first adjustment the same day as their consultation and exam. Once you know exactly what to expect from your chiropractic care, there is no reason not to begin your treatment immediately.
Your first adjustment will take place on a chiropractic table that is padded and comfortable to lay on.
With chiropractic care, the adjustments can be performed face down, sitting upright, laying on your side, or laying on your back. The type of adjustment that you receive will be determined based upon your pain and injury condition.
This is also something the chiropractor will discuss with you before putting you on the table. They will walk you through each adjustment and explain the importance of what they are doing so you feel 100% at ease during the entire adjustment process.
After your adjustment, you may be asked to walk around the office or hang tight for several minutes to see how you are feeling.
If you any concerns whatsoever after your first adjustment, make sure you express them immediately to the doctor.
Follow-Up Treatment
The goal of chiropractic care is to alleviate your pain without the need for surgery or pain medications.
Chiropractic care hopes to restore your body to its normal range of motion and function so you can return to your normal life. 
The adjustment you receive during your first visit will most likely be included in the same manner during your follow-up treatment.
Your chiropractor will discuss with you how often you need to receive treatment.
Following the plan they provide for you is crucial to your recovery.
For example, if they request your attendance three times per week for a month, it's important that you do not miss a session.
Skipping appointment and not following the plan that was made specifically for your recovery will only hinder your ability to recover properly and in the time frame that was discussed.
Your chiropractor is the only one who is able to make changes and adjustments to your treatment.
Make sure you share any concerns you may have before starting your treatment.
Your chiropractor will work with you to figure out what is best, but if you do not communicate your feelings, you run the risk of not getting the most out of your treatment.
Why Choose Arrowhead Clinic?
If you are suffering from chronic pain or were involved in an accident that caused an injury, you should contact an experienced Chiropractor for treatment and pain relief.
Arrowhead Clinic has a chiropractor for you who specializes in helping the hurt and injured return to their normal health and function.
We provide each patient with a free consultation so we can find out the source of your pain and give you the appropriate care.
During your initial consultation, a chiropractor will make sure that you understand what we expect of your, as well as what you can expect of us.
We are dedicated to our chiropractic patients, and we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel that we are committed to helping them recover.
We truly believe each patient is unique and deserves to be given the time and attention they need to make a full recovery.
Chiropractic care has changed the lives of countless patients.
If you are ready to be pain-free, click below to schedule your initial free consultation and begin chiropractic care today!
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