Chiropractic | What To Expect YOUR FIRST VISIT
We have a new patient health history form to complete that will help us understand your condition. We'll gather more information during our consultation to determine if your problem is likely to be helped with chiropractic. If it is, an exam usually follows. Standard orthopedic and neurological tests are performed. Depending on the nature and severity of your problem, x-rays may or may not be needed to confirm diagnosis and rule out tumors, fractures, or serious pathologies. (Should x-rays be advised, our office is equipped with a digital x-ray machine that provides lower radiation and higher resolution images than standard machines.)
The doctor will then review with you the results of all exams and any x-rays and discuss what they mean and give their recommendations. Our recommendations are individualized and will take into account many factors: severity and length of time for this condition, mode of onset, age, occupation, and general health. With an understanding of your condition, we would begin treatment with Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) or 'adjustments' as it is generally called. Allow about 45-60 minutes for your initial visit, which can vary depending on patient requirements.
CHIROPRACTIC | WHAT TO EXPECT After Your Visit
Reactions following a chiropractic adjustment or adjunct therapies may vary from aching and soreness to a sense of release of tension. If you have any reactions that concern you, do not hesitate to call our office, call your doctor at home, or ask on your next visit.
HOME CARE:
REST: Rest your back for about 48 hours after an injury or after the first time you notice significant pain. After that, you can slowly increase your activity level. Getting up and moving as soon as spasms and sharp pains subside can help ease pain and stiffness.
HOME COLD THERAPY: Cold therapy tis generally prescribed initially during the first 48 to 72 hours in an acute stage. If you have been advised to use cold therapy, you will first feel cold, then burning, aching and finally numbness. We have varying sizes of gel-packs available in our office or fill a large Ziploc bag with partially crushed ice, or use a frozen package of vegetables, with toweling on skin surface. Apply cold packs several times a day for 20-30 minutes at a time. Cold works by decreasing the size of the blood vessels and the blood flow to the area, which will reduce inflammation. Although it may feel painful at first, cold therapy can ease deep pain.
HOME HEAT THERAPY: If you have been advised to use heat therapy, apply a heating pad on a low setting for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. Don’t use heat therapy or soak in a hot tub unless heat has been advised as it may aggravate an acute problem. Heat works by dilating blood vessels, which increases oxygen supply and helps reduce muscle spasms.
ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT: If you were given an orthopedic support, it is worn to offer support for your muscles/joints whenever you will be doing anything significantly demanding. You do not need to wear this to bed, unless you find it gives you considerable pain relief. Remove it every 1 to 2 hours and wear it again for 2 to 3 hours.
ERGONOMIC ADVICE:
SLEEPING: For back conditions, choose a fairly firm mattress. If you lie on your back, place pillows under knees. If you lie on your side, support your top leg with pillows. When turning in bed, move your whole body as one unit.
BENDING AND LIFTING: When bending over to pick something up, bend at your hips and knees, use your leg muscles and avoiding twisting.
SITTING: Use a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor adequately. A support behind your lower back or between your shoulder blades may help. Don’t sit for long periods of time without moving around.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: If you are currently involved in a sport or exercise program, you may want to stop or make some modifications. Gentle pre-stretching, cooling down gradually, and proper shoes will help.
COMPUTER USE: Watch your posture – back and shoulders, keep the top of your monitor at about eye level, keep keyboard height so wrists can remain straight, and stretch your wrists, fingers and back at frequent intervals.
CELL PHONE: Make sure your neck is not flexed forward when texting for long periods of time, or flexed sideways when talking. Avoid sitting when your phone is in a back pocket.