Expectations vs. Reality - What To Expect After Chiropractic Care

There are many misconceptions out there when it comes to what benefits you'll receive after you visit the chiropractor.

Some people think it's dangerous. Some people think it's a holistic medicine that doesn't really work.

And others think miracles will happen during their first visit.

None of these ideas are reality, and the truth lies somewhere in between.

Chiropractic care is real, and it benefits your health.

While you most likely won't think a miracle has happened the first time you leave the office, over time you are likely to experience significant benefits from your care.

There is a science that backs chiropractic care, and your doctor of chiropractic is very well educated.

Below we will take a look at some of the biggest myths when it comes to chiropractic care, and what you can expect during your first visit.

1. Other Doctor's Don't Trust Chiropractors.

This was true at one point, but this belief doesn't remain today. This misconception was formed in the mid 20th century.

In the 1940s, a group of conservative doctors with the American Medical Association, or AMA, scorned chiropractic medicine.

They tried to eliminate the profession by portraying chiropractors as uneducated and the profession as unscientific.

This lasted up until a lawsuit in the 1980s.

In that lawsuit, it found the AMA guilty of conspiracy against the chiropractic practice.

Today, support for chiropractic medicine continues to grow.

Academic studies are showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care with the results being published in major medical journals.

Today, the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment is largely accepted by medical doctors, with many hospitals even having chiropractic physicians on staff.

2. Chiropractic Care Doesn't Work

This myth might go hand in hand with the one above.

In the past, there was a belief that visiting a chiropractor just didn't work. That it didn't do what it intended to do.

That has changed. Today, chiropractic therapy is the most common type of therapy used for back pains.

74% of Americans who have experienced back pain have visited chiropractors at some point during their treatment.

A review in 2010 by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in the U.S., had promising results for chiropractic treatment.

The review found that spinal manipulation may be useful for back pain, migraines, whiplash and similar conditions affecting the extremities.

Today, the evidence is there that it does work, and it works well.

3. Chiropractic Care Is Dangerous

This is another prevalent myth when it comes to chiropractic care.

The reality is that chiropractic care is less invasive than most other forms of medicine, and some studies have proven it's safe for all ages.

It's not just safe for adults; it's safe for children as well.

Chiropractic care is a natural and safe alternative to many other treatments.

All doctors have to pay for malpractice insurance.

However, if you want a sure-fire way of knowing chiropractic care is safe, chiropractic doctors pay much less than medical doctors because injuries resulting from chiropractic care are so uncommon.

4. Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

Chiropractic care is best known for treating back and neck pain, and spinal disorders.

However, it is used to resolve or manage a variety of health conditions.

Everything from pain management, fatigue, chronic gastrointestinal infections, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and headaches can be treated with chiropractic care.

Women often use it to treat pregnancy-related pain throughout their pregnancy.

Chiropractors are taught to focus on the patient as a whole, not just on the issues or symptoms they're dealing with.

They consider a wide range of factors that can impact the health of their patients, so they are better prepared to help their patients.

What To Actually Expect

If this is your first time considering chiropractic care, it is reasonable to believe these myths.

The unknown is always pretty scary, and our brains are wired for survival, so it makes sense that we believe these things.

But not to worry, we'll go over what to expect during your first trip to the chiropractor so you can calm your nerves a little bit.

Consultation

Every first visit to the chiropractor starts with a consultation.

The results of the consultation will likely determine whether or not you get an adjustment during your first trip.

Your chiropractor will get your full medical history, so he can tailor your treatment to you as an individual.

He'll ask you where your pain is located, how bad it is on a scale of 1-10, and if you have any other symptoms.

These questions help give the doctor an idea of the severity and cause of your pain.

Your chiropractor will usually end the consultation with a physical examination of your spine that could include x-rays.

The Adjustment

If your chiropractor decides to give you an adjustment during your first visit, expect something quick and straightforward.

Your chiropractor will push, pull or twist a section of your body to realign any misalignments along your spine.

You'll probably hear a popping sound, but don't worry, because this a common side effect.

Although all experiences are unique, you may even experience instant relief during your first adjustment.

Pain

The question everyone wants to be answered before they go to the chiropractor is how much pain they're going to experience.

Most often, it doesn't hurt at all.

This will vary from person to person depending on the type of pain they have and the severity of it.

You may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but that's because you aren't used to your body being contorted like that.

Pain, however, is rarely a part of the procedure.

You might be sore after the adjustment, but it's like the soreness you get after a good workout.

That pain will go away shortly on its own.

Chiropractic Care Is For You

If you're nervous about seeing the chiropractor and believe all the myths you've seen, don't be.

The reality is that visiting the chiropractor is safe, holistic, and it works to improve your health.

If you're experiencing back or neck pain or any of the ailments mentioned above, the chiropractors at the Arrowhead Clinic are waiting to help.