Chiropractic Care: What to Expect

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

19 Feb 2008 06:47 AM

My brother has been going to the chiropractor for years. I had the opportunity to accompany him, and watched his adjustment. From an outsider's perspective, it looked uncomfortable, even sometimes painful. I was pretty sure that a chiropractic treatment was not something I was interested in.

Fast forward a few years -- I was working at a radio station and we were doing a fundraiser for a local charity. A chiropractor stopped by with a sizable donation and offered free adjustments to the on air staff. The morning show hosts took a turn, and then the doctor turned to me. I was nervous, but willing to try (and I said so to the doctor).

And I have to say -- it didn't hurt. He applied pressure at various points up my back, then turned my head in a certain way to make my neck pop. That was the part I was certain would hurt, but it didn't. It was pretty amazing!

If you are considering your first chiropractor visit, here are some tips to help you prepare:

• There are many styles and techniques out there. Ask a friend or family member with a similar condition for a referral. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a chiropractor.
• Talk to your doctor beforehand, especially if this is your first visit. You may have some other health conditions that might make a chiropractic adjustment a bad idea.
• Don't expect a miracle. Your pain might not disappear after just one session. Then again, it might! In general, five to ten chiropractic sessions are sufficient to provide relief for most problems.
• Don't be afraid to talk philosophy before your appointment. You want to find a chiropractor whose treatment philosophy matches up with your own.

Chiropractors use a variety of movements to help realign the spine. One common technique is to gently stretch a joint to just beyond the normal range. You may hear popping sounds as the fluid in your joints releases gasses. Expect your doctor to apply pressure along your spine; he or she may also move your arms, legs, neck and head.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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