Have you ever been to a chiropractor?

Question

What can I expect on my first visit with a chiropractor? Are spinal manipulations painful? How long would I have to see a chiropractor? Tell me all the details please.... Thx

Answer 1

I used to work in a chiropractic office, and am now studying to be a chiropractor myself, so let's see if I can answer your question.

Your first visit should not even include an adjustment. At your first visit, you'll consult the doctor and tell him/her all about your problem, family history of diseases, medications you take, how this problem is affecting you, etc. Then you should go through a quick examination. This will mostly test the ranges of motion in your neck and spine, so the doctor will ask you to bend your head, rotate your head left and right, bend forward, simple stuff like that. The doctor might then use his/her hands to feel down your spine to check for any noticable differences that can be felt (like if a vertebrae is out of place, or a build-up of fluid that comes from a fixed joint). That should more or less be the extent of the exam, but it really all depends on where your problem is. If your chief complaint is low back, you can expect more attention and tests focused on your low back area.

I have to tell you that different chiropractors do things differently, so I can only tell you things that might happen in general. Some might also use an instrument that measures the heat differences on either side of your spine. This is painless, it's just a little hand-held device that the doctor will glide up your spine; it only takes a few seconds.

However, your chiropractor should take X-rays of you, unless you have recent ones and have brought them with you. X-rays or an MRI are the BEST ways to confirm if you have a problem in your spine. Ok, so after that, you'll have to come back another time to see your x-rays. The length of time that you have to undergo chiropractic care really depends on 1. the extent of your problem, and 2. the technique that your chiropractor uses.

Sorry! I know you wanted specifics but there are so many variables at play here! I would say that the intial care treatment should last anywhere from 3-10 weeks (again, depending on the problem you have, how well you respond to treatment, and how many times per week you get adjusted). The doctor will go over the x-rays with you, and he/she will tell you roughly how many visits it will take to correct the problem. Just be aware that it may only take a handful of visits to get you out of PAIN, but if you want to correct the actual positioning of your spine, that might take longer. Some chiropractors only want to get you out of pain, and will be happy to let you go once you feel better, while others want you to come back regularly (once every few weeks or a month) to make sure that the problem doesn't come back.

Ok, so now on to the actual adjustment. As most people have said, they are painless. This is true, but since this is your first time it will be uncomfortable in the sense that we, as human beings, rarely have someone manipulate our neck in such a way. But there are so many different techniques that I can't even begin to describe them all to you. Some are gentle, some are a bit more forceful. But they are all VERY quick and will be over before you know it! If you have ANY worries, I'm sure your chiropractor will explain exactly what he/she will be doing to you, and will probably even let you watch an adjustment if you ask. Again, it is painless and SAFE. There is only one major vessel in that area, and chiropractors are highly trained to perfrom adjustments safely and effectively.

If you feel anxious and start to tighten up, try wiggling your toes during the adjustment. And be happy! You are well on your way to better health. Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, in fact I have an appt. this afternoon. I had headaches 24/7 for nearly 30 years. I had tried EVERYTHING, and my chiropractor helped with the first visit.

Nothing was painful, and a GOOD one will explain what's going on so the sounds don't scare you. You'll lay face down on the table and they'll do their thing, then you'll turn over so they can work on your neck a bit. No big deal after you've done it once, and it usually takes less than 15 minutes.

A GOOD chiropractor will give you a realistic schedule (some will tell you to come back several times a week for months or years). I see mine once every 2-3 weeks and we're both happy with that.

Good luck.

Answer 3

A good chiropractor is very unlikely to furt you, even slightly. The most dramatic thing he is likely to do is to roll your head gently and then suddenly grip and jerk it. THis produces a sort of cracking sensation in the neckbones which feels peculair but dows not hurt at all -- as a matter of fact it can have almost immediate effect reducing pain and tension. It is the same sort of thing as when you crack your knuckles: in the quick jerk a fluid in the joints is turned into a gas under pressure and forced out of its trapped location. A chiropractor normally has a great deal of practical knowledge about muscles, stress, posture and bones -- not much less than a medical practitioner, and in some respects better because his knowledge is intensely practical. Most chiropractors have graduate knowledge of x-ray photography and its interpretation (although perhaps for "political" reasons it is called Roentgenology instead of Radiology). Here is the UK there is a growing overlap of chiropractors who are also GPs or at least have the qualification.
Like other "alternative" medicines the history of chiropractic is a little clouded, and the basic idea of invisible connections between the major organs and specific places on the spine is now downplayed.
Like many other alternative medicines, chiropractic attempts to treat the whole body rather than the specific complaint, and shuns chemical treatements which so often are directed at reducing symptoms rather than healing.
When you attend a chiropractor, wear loose clothes and be prepared to shed them even if the problem seems confined to an area normally uncovered by clothes.
Another common technique used by chiropractors today is deep massage by means of electic pulses. THis is a machine that looks about the size of an old reel-to-reel recorder, and generates gentle currents through miniature paddles that are attached to your skin by a jelly. The current created changes over time (maybe 20 minutes or so) and this "massages" deep inside you. Most people find this an unusual but not unpleasant experience: it is similar to the principle that makes TENS machines so effective for control of certain types of pain.
A sports injury, or a badly twisted ankle, or tension headaches, or sore neck are some of the complaints I myself would immediately entrust to a chiropractor rather than a GP: if something more is needed I am confident that my chiropractor would correctly suggest I consult my GP.
If you are in the UK note that you MAY be able to get your GP to refer you to a chiropractor: it is not often done, but it will save you a hefty sum if you can see the chiropractor on the NHS. Many of the health insurance plans now thankfully cover chiropractic treatment -- it's worth a try.

Answer 4

I used to swear by chiropractors, IF you find a really good one they can help you tremendously. I had one in FL that I really trusted and even had my baby get adjusted to help with her colic. It totally worked when nothing else would. You just have to be very careful and make sure that you have a healthy spine and that the chiropractor you are going to is doing xrays and has a long good track record. I live in Germany now and they get completely different training over here. Walked in a little sore and came out with FOUR herniated disk. So it can be a wonderful experience or a really really bad one. If they adjust your neck improperly they can even cause blood clots to form in your brain. There are lots of nerves and major blood vessels that run along your spine so they are not just "popping" your back. The manipulations themselves are not painful or should not be at least. How long you have to see one depends on what you are seeing him for. I would just ask you once again to please find one that was recommended either by an Orthopedic or by several folks that have already been to them. Good luck and Much peace

Answer 5

No pain...no gain.
No, just kidding. I never experienced pain from a chiropractor..not ever. And you should not either if the Doc know what he is doing.
First visit is mostly evaluation and he moves you around a bit in different directions. Needs to know what is in alignment and what is not. Then, you may hear a pop here and there while your bones are being put back into place. You "feel" it, but it is more of a relief than pain.
So not to be worried. You will probably be a bit sore afterward, but in a couple days actually feel better.
I have had chiropractic care help my sinuses, cramps, not just the back issues.
Enjoy!

Answer 6

I have been told by several folks in the medical community that a chiropractor gives temporary relief to a bigger problem.

With that said... you will get the ole' Q&A thing about the cause of your backache and if it's injury related s/he may require you to have x-rays. It doesn't hurt to get adjusted but it's very un-nerving when you hear everything you own crack like it's being broken. You will most likely be sore for a few days after. Soak in a tub and light exercise/stretching will help but don't overdo it.

I personally believe the best method is a massage first and manipulation second. A lot of upper back problems are caused by one muscle being used more than the same muscle on the other side. Persistent low back problems is usually solved by working the stomach muscles.

Answer 7

Yes. And the second time I went he gave me a cortisone shot and he does not even know what is causing my excruciating back pain. I firmly believe that no chiropractor should do ANY work on a patient until he/she knows exactly what is causing the pain. I am in 10 times worse pain now and am getting very discourage because I feel that I am not being listened too,or taken seriously by my dr. or chiropractor. My quality of life really sucks. I cannot do any of the things I like to do. I cannot even go grocery shopping without being almost crippled after. So to anyone who is having back pain. I advise you to demand they find out what is wrong with you before you let them touch you at all. I was desperate and wanted relief. Now I am paying for it.

Answer 8

This is a very individual thing ----

Chiropractors tend to have a negative reputation - so finding a 'good' one is kind of difficult, and can be costly --- trying one after another, 'till you find one that 'works' for you. The only way I have ever 'scored' successfully with this situation, was to visit one that a friend had been to, and was totally satisfied with.

I've seen only 6 in my life - and each 'first visit' was different - only one insisted on ex-rays, which wasn't a bad idea, as I had suffered a broken bone and neck injury many years before. No chiropractor has ever caused me pain with a manipulation - altho 4 of the 6 never did give me pain relief with treatments.

Today I am blessed with a chiropractor who operates on a 'drop in' basis, charges $30 per visit, has always put me back in good alignment, resulting in immediate pain relief - this miracle worker (for me) was referred by a friend of mine, and fortunately is younger than I, and might outlive me!

Good luck to you in this difficult 'search' . . .

Answer 9

Yeah, I'm actually studying to be one.

On the first visit, they might take some temperature readings of your spine, some x-rays, or they may physically just feel for subluxations; It totally depends on the chiropractor.

I stray away from the word "manipulation" because it's a really scary word, especially in regards to your spine.
I prefer the word "adjustment".
Spinal adjustments are not painful.
Yes, you do hear a "popping" sound, but remember: THAT IS NOT YOUR SPINE (bones) MAKING THAT SOUND.
It is only nitrogen gases moving around, just like when you "crack your knuckles".

How long would you have to see one?
Again, it totally depends.
"Old school" DC's usually tell you to only come in if it hurts.
"New school" DC's will probably tell you to come in three times a week for the next six months - LAME!
Ever heard this before: don't fix it if it's not broken?
You tell your DC straight up how long you want to go in for adjustments - it's your time, your money, your body for crying out loud!!
I do, however, recommend going for at least three or four adjustments in the beginning.
After that, make appointments according to how your back is feeling.
Once or twice a month is pretty good.

Just like everything else in this world - CHIROPRACTICS IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY.
Everybody's got a story, good and bad, just like everything else.
The only thing that matters is YOUR experience.

Good luck!

Answer 10

they will probably take x rays if your condition is bad enough, manipulations are nothing about pain. you feel a bit of stiffness because of the re alignment of things in your back & maybe some mild muscle spasms but no pain. how long? well that depends on what is going on with you. I've had periods where i went for months on end ( 2 times a week) and then last time i went i went one time and was good. its amazing because the doctor only asks me to raise my arm or lift my leg and just from doing these simple things he knows where to manipulate me. You will feel better after seeing the chiropractor. Good Luck!