Chiropractic care can be a helpful way to get your body feeling and moving well. Not everyone needs chiropractic care, and for some, it isn’t a recommended course of treatment or supplemental care, but for those who can benefit from it, there are some important things should know. Here’s everything you need to keep in mind about chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care Can Help People With Several Issues
Chiropractors can assist with treating and managing many issues people experience with their spines, other joints and muscles. Issues such as subluxation and chronic headaches may benefit from chiropractic care, for example. Talk to your chiropractor about the problems you are experiencing during your first consultation. He or she may have specific methods of treating or caring for sciatica, pain in the neck and upper, mid or lower back, whiplash, stiff or pulled muscles and certain types of joint dysfunction or pain, such as arthritis. He or she may also recommend longer courses of treatment, depending on the severity of your problem and whether or not it is chronic.
There Are Certain Things You Should Expect from a Chiropractor
If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you may not know what will happen. There are some things you should expect from any licensed chiropractor, including an initial consultation. During the consultation, you will be asked to fill out a form with questions about your health history. The chiropractor will also give you a physical exam. In subsequent sessions, the chiropractor may perform various massage techniques and gentle physical manipulations to adjust your posture and improve joint mobility.
Look for a Chiropractor Who Is Fully Educated And Properly Licensed
Make sure your chiropractor has an appropriate level of education and the proper certifications and licenses to practice in your jurisdiction. A chiropractor must have a legitimate Doctor of Chiropractic degree, be licensed in your state and pass various exams, including one from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Look for a chiropractor who participates in continuing education and who has been educated in human anatomy and other biological sciences. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as osteoarthritis, look for a chiropractor who has some training in a specialized field related to your condition, such as orthopedics.
There Are Certain Things You Should Do During And After Chiropractic Care
You may be nervous when you see your chiropractor, especially if you’ve never been to one before. Your chiropractor may use a variety of tools, including a drop table, an activator or a chiropractic table. Ask him or her any questions you have about the tools and techniques that may be used on you during your adjustment. In general, you should experience some level of relief right away, though you may need to book several appointments to feel the full effect. However, some people may experience soreness or fatigue after an adjustment. If you experience any discomfort after your appointment, talk to your chiropractor about what you can do to mitigate or soothe it.
Some People May Have Risk Factors ThatCan Make Chiropractic Care Unsuitable
Most people can benefit from seeing a chiropractor, whether they have one appointment or go frequently. However, there are some people who should not seek chiropractic care. Make sure you do your research and talk to your doctor about any conditions you have and whether you can safely seek chiropractic care. If you have a herniated disk or are at elevated risk of stroke, it may not be a good idea. Likewise, those who have spinal cancer, bone cancer, certain bone abnormalities, severe joint or connective tissue diseases or loss of strength, tingling, or numbness in any limbs or joints are not good candidates for chiropractic treatment.
Talk to your doctor before beginning chiropractic treatment. He or she can help you determine whether it’s the right avenue of care for your needs. You can also work with him or her to find a chiropractor who fits your situation and with whom you feel comfortable.