First Chiropractic Visit: Expectation and Preparation

Chiropractors are trained primarily in treating conditions of the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system. They use a noninvasive, manual approach to relieving pain and treating the underlying symptoms. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you should know what to expect and how to prepare to make your first visit as productive as possible.

What to Expect

You may or may not receive a chiropractic adjustment at your first visit, so you should know what it entails just in case it happens. The chiropractor takes a part of your body and gives it a forceful, but not painful, thrust after bringing it to its maximum range. While this happens, you will lie on a special table. You may hear a popping sound reminiscent of the sound of your knuckles cracking. That is the sound of bubbles popping in the synovial fluid. It is incidental to your treatment.

Your chiropractor may not get to adjust on your first visit. The initial chiropractic appointment is often devoted entirely to making a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan, which may take the entire time. The chiropractor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination, much like a medical doctor will do. If you have imaging studies, such as x-rays or MRIs, you should bring them to your appointment for the chiropractor to look at. Otherwise, the chiropractor may order imaging.

How to Prepare

You may have many questions about what is involved in chiropractic treatment. You should write these down so you can be sure to ask the chiropractor all you need to know. In addition to any imaging studies you have already done, you should bring any mobility aids or orthotics that you have been using to your appointment. Your chiropractor will want to know about any medication you have been taking, whether over-the-counter or prescription, just as a medical doctor would, so you should prepare this list beforehand. You should wear clothing that is loose-fitting and comfortable. This is to allow you to perform range-of-motion tasks that your chiropractor tells you to do. It also provides your chiropractor with the necessary access to the areas of complaint.

As is often the case when you see a new health care provider for the first time, there will probably be paperwork to fill out. To give yourself enough time to do this correctly and thoroughly, you should probably arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment.

We understand that this is a new experience for you. One of our chiropractors will guide you carefully through the process. Contact a chiropractor, like from AmeriWell Clinics, to schedule your initial appointment.