Preparing For Your First Visit With A Chiropractor

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Whether it’s a new dentist, hairdresser or chiropractor, going to your first appointment somewhere new can be a little bit unsettling. If you’re visiting a chiropractor for the first time, here’s how you can prepare and make the most out of your session.

Gather Your Medical History

If you’ve seen other doctors or medical professionals and have any relevant medical records, make sure to bring them with you. It will give your chiropractor a clearer idea of your full medical history and the type of treatment you may need.

Arrive Early

It’s a common courtesy to arrive around 10 minutes early so you can complete any paperwork before your appointment. It’ll also give you some time to settle and mentally prepare for your session. Also, keep in mind that your first appointment will probably be longer than later ones as you bring your chiropractor up to date with your medical history and symptoms.

Dress Comfortably

Your first visit will likely include a chiropractic adjustment, which will require you to lay on a table in various positions. We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that will not restrict your range of movement.

Record Your Symptoms

Try to make detailed notes of your symptoms before your appointment, including symptom type, severity, association with specific activities and the time of day when they are the most severe or mild. Bring your notes with you to the appointment so you can describe everything in full detail. Remember also to include how the symptoms started, how long they persisted, and anything you have done to moderate them.

Be Ready For Your Physical Exam

After you have brought your chiropractor up to date about your condition, they will do a physical exam. It includes checking your reflexes, joint movement, spine and posture. They may gently twist your body to examine your range of motion or press on areas and ask if it hurts to identify the issue correctly. They may also ask you to bring in any x-rays or MRIs you have to assist their evaluation.

Be Ready For A Chiropractic Adjustment

Don’t let those videos you might have seen online scare you. Chiropractors are highly educated and thoroughly trained to deliver safe, effective care. Chiropractic adjustments help to reduce pain and discomfort. They are done to help you, not make things worse! Your chiropractor may pull, push or rotate a section of your body to realign your spine. If you hear a popping or cracking sound as your joints adjust, don’t worry! It is just a side effect of the joints moving more than they usually do, similar to cracking your knuckles.

You may feel a bit sore after your appointment as your spine and muscles adapt to the treatment. That should pass after a day or two.

Ask Questions

You’ll probably receive a treatment plan from your chiropractor. Take your time to understand it fully and ask any questions before leaving.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, we go the extra mile to help you live your best, pain-free life. Dr Eaton, our registered chiropractor, is here to provide you with treatments that will alleviate your pain and deliver lasting results. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, a shoulder injury or a muscle sprain, we want to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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