Going to a new care provider can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. For example, we at Active Integrative Medicine find that many of our clients can be nervous when they come in for their first chiropractic adjustment. To help put your mind at ease, we have put together this article to provide an overview of what happens during a chiropractic adjustment.
When you come into our office, here’s what you can expect during your first appointment:
- Before – Before your chiropractor preforms an adjustment, they will take the time to discuss your medical history and confirm whether you are a good candidate for this type of care. The chiropractor may have taken images of your spine or joints to better determine where adjustments are required. You can use this time to ask any questions you may have and discuss your care plan.
- During – During the chiropractic adjustment itself, your chiropractor will apply controlled force to your spine or joints. They may apply pressure with their hands or use specialized devices to do so. As the chiropractor works on your joints, you may hear popping sounds, like the noises you hear when cracking your knuckles. These sounds are caused by fluid moving around in your joints, which is a natural process that will not have any negative effects.
- After – After your chiropractic adjustment is complete, you may feel immediate relief, or you might need to wait a few days to feel the full effects. In addition, you will likely need to return to your chiropractor for additional adjustments to maintain the benefits in the long term.