Commonly Asked Questions about Chiropractic Care
If you are considering seeing a chiropractor but have never had the opportunity to receive treatment from a practitioner, you will probably have several questions about what the process entails. Chiropractic care grows in popularity each year. This is largely because many suffering from injuries or pain are seeking natural, non-invasive ways to treat their conditions. Treatments from a chiropractor allow patients to manage their pain, free from prescription drugs, and over the counter medication. Here are common questions prospective patients may have regarding care from a chiropractor:
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that involves making adjustments manually to a person’s spine. Through spinal adjustments, a chiropractor can help improve the nervous system, help with the healing process, and restore function to the joints. Chiropractors focus on bringing the body into proper alignment, help you make lifestyle changes, work towards disease prevention, pain management, and improve range of motion.
Does a chiropractor only adjust patients? What other services do they provide?
When many think of a chiropractor, they think of the snap, crackle, pop of an adjustment. However, a chiropractor can provide so much more to their patients. A chiropractor may provide:
- Massage
- Nutritional Counseling
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Electromagnetic Therapy
- Electric Muscle Stimulation
- Education
What is an activator?
There are a few ways that a chiropractor may administer an adjustment to their patients. Some may favor using The Activator Adjustment Method using a tool called an activator. This is a small instrument used by some chiropractors to adjust their clients.
Will a chiropractor manually adjust me as well?
Whether a chiropractor uses an activator or provides manual adjustments can vary. While many prefer to adjust their patients manually, at times, they may also use an activator to administer an adjustment. While some may use a combination of the two, other chiropractors may prefer one method over another. If you have a preference, it’s best to reach out to your prospective chiropractor before scheduling your first appointment to learn more about how they administer chiropractic treatment.
Will a chiropractor expect X-rays before adjusting me?
Whether a chiropractor will provide X-rays before treatment will depend upon the chiropractor. While X-rays are not uncommon, your chiropractor may not always ask for them. This will largely depend upon your reason for visiting a chiropractor for treatment.
Will an adjustment hurt me?
You should not feel any pain during an adjustment. Often people feel a bit of pressure, followed by pops and cracks, and then relief. If you are nervous that an adjustment will be painful, be sure to let your chiropractor know. They will work to help you feel as comfortable as possible during your appointment.
How often will I need to see a chiropractor?
The frequency at which you should see a chiropractor really depends on your reasons for seeking treatment. In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend that you obtain treatment more frequently until you start noticing signs of improvement. Over time, you will likely be able to taper off to once a week, once a month, or even less.
Knowing what to expect before your chiropractor appointment can help to ease some of the worry you may have over your first treatment. Contacting a clinic that provides chiropractic care can help calm your nerves and educate you on what you can expect. To learn more about chiropractic care, contact a chiropractor in Riverdale, Maryland today.
Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care and commonly asked questions.
