Seeing a chiropractor for the first time, just like anything else new, can be intimidating and stress-inducing. Your anticipation and anxiety leading up to a first appointment can be even worse if you don’t have a good understanding of chiropractic care. To reduce some of that stress, here are five things to know about care that you can expect from your visits.
- Honesty Is Essential
When you first see a chiropractor, you may not get adjusted at all. The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, if you’ve suffered from any injuries, what your diet and health habits are, and anything else that may be important to factor into your treatment plan. This is your chance to explain the pain you feel in depth. You should never leave out any details, as the chiropractor can only treat you properly if they understand the full extent of your pain.
- Adjustments Don’t Hurt
A chiropractic adjustment is the movement a chiropractor uses with their hands to realign joints. When you begin care, chiropractic adjustments shouldn’t cause any pain. You might hear a loud cracking sound, but rest assured this is perfectly normal as gas is released from joints. If you do feel pain, you should inform the chiropractor immediately so they can make proper changes.
- Chiropractors Are Licensed Professionals
Chiropractors are not the same as medical doctors, but they can’t get their practicing license without the right education. Most chiropractors must complete an undergraduate degree before diving into a four-year program that certifies them for practicing. That certification normally comes from the state.
- Insurance Should Cover It
Chiropractic care is covered by most insurance companies. You can call your agency to see exactly how their policy works and to see if there are any extra steps you must take to ensure coverage. Some policies mandate that you get a doctor’s referral for seeing a chiropractor, so make sure you know your coverage before your first appointment.
- Treatments Might Last Longer
It is usually recommended that you see a chiropractor several times a week for two to four weeks. However, everyone is different, and you may need to see a chiropractor regularly if your pain persists. It is not uncommon for pain to return after time, and you can always go back to a chiropractor when it starts acting up again.
Don’t hesitate to ask a chiropractor, like a chiropractor from AmeriWell Clinics, about their work during your initial appointment. This is your chance to discover exactly how they will treat you and what to expect from your visits.