3 Commonly Asked Questions About Chiropractic Visits And Care

Back issues can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and reduced range of motion. If you have back pain, you may be considering chiropractic care. If you would like to know more, check out these commonly asked questions about chiropractic visits and care. 

1. What Happens at the Chiropractor?

The first time you visit the chiropractor, they will likely ask you to describe your concern. They may also check your range of motion and flexibility. Treatment often begins with modalities, including:

  • Ultrasound
  • Massage
  • Spinal traction
  • Heat
  • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation

These treatments help relax the muscles and joints, making adjustments easier and more effective.

Your chiropractor may use a combination of adjustments to relieve pressure from joints, particularly those in your spine and neck. Common adjustment methods include:

  • The diversified technique
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Drop table technique
  • The activator method
  • Flexion distraction
  • Spinal decompression

Your chiropractor may also recommend specific exercises and stretches to do at home to improve results and healing.

2. Do Treatments Hurt?

Some adjustments (including the diversified technique and spinal manipulation) use forceful thrusts to adjust joints. From the outside, these movements can look scary, but chiropractic adjustments should not hurt. In fact, manipulations and adjustments often relieve pressure and ease pain. Some patients may have mild discomfort or tenderness after treatment.

The drop table technique may also seem alarming. However, the drop table makes the treatment more effective. During treatment, the chiropractor adjusts your spine while letting the table drop. This makes a loud bang, but it helps prevent unwanted stress on the tender spine.

3. Who Is a Good Candidate for Chiropractic Care?

You may be a good candidate for chiropractic care if you have back or neck pain. If you've been injured in an accident, your chiropractor may request an X-ray to ensure there is no fracture before providing treatment.

Even back or neck pain related to lifestyle and posture can benefit from chiropractic care. Of course, to fully improve symptoms, you'll need to make lifestyle changes. Some patients see immediate results after one visit, but most patients need a handful of visits to see the final results.

If you're sick of struggling with back pain, you're not alone. Many Americans have some kind of back or neck pain, and in severe cases, it can limit your mobility and opportunities.

If you would like to know more about back pain relief, contact a chiropractor in your area today.


Share