For many years, people all over the world have seeking chiropractic care for a variety of illnesses and conditions. While the relief of back, leg, and neck pain are among the most common conditions that folks would associate with the care given by a chiropractor, the truth of the matter is that there are many other reasons that people choose to seek them out.
If you are considering seeing a chiropractor, or you have just started seeing one, you may wonder if the treatment will cause your pain to get worse before it starts helping. This is a common question that is asked by patients. Below is just a little bit of information about what you can expect when you start a treatment program with a chiropractor.
What Should I Expect When I Start Care?
There can be some variation regarding how your chiropractor will choose to start your care. Many chiropractors do start with a physical examination that will pay close attention to your spine. They will also ask you several questions about your health history and what conditions bring you to their office. Some chiropractic practitioners may recommend other tests, like X-rays.
At your initial visit, you’ll want to be clear about what kind of pain or discomfort your experiencing. It is a good idea to be open about what you hope to achieve with your treatment program. Your chiropractor may talk to you about exercises that you can do at home to supplement the care you are receiving. Some may even advise combining adjustments with massage therapy, as well as stretching and hot/cold treatment.
How Will a Chiropractic Adjustment Impact My Pain Levels?
Has your doctor recommended that you see a chiropractor because of chronic pain? Do you have a condition that has caused you extreme discomfort, and it is recommended that you seek out a spinal adjustment? If you have been living with pain for a while, you may be wary of starting any treatment program that causes it to get worse. While some patients do experience tenderness or soreness in the area that has been worked on, the good news is that it is temporary and often only lasts for a couple of days after the adjustment.
Working with a chiropractor has been shown to give patients temporary relief of pain in the long run. A program of spinal adjustments could severely increase your quality of life and reduce your pain overall. The most common temporary symptoms, other than tenderness and soreness, associated with an adjustment, include headache and fatigue. It has been shown that many patients start seeing drastic improvements after six to ten visits. Also, most folks tend to see gradual improvements before that point.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Some patients wonder if their treatment will cause more pain before it gets better, and some wonder if chiropractic adjustments are safe. The answer to that question is that seeking treatment with a chiropractor who is licensed and trained is very safe. Any serious complications are extremely rare. The side effects of chiropractic treatment are generally very mild and temporary. If you are pregnant, you should discuss going to a chiropractor with your doctor before you make an appointment.
Generally speaking, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for the vast majority of pregnant women. You’ll want to make sure that you book an appointment with a chiropractor who has experience working with pregnant women. Some chiropractors even specialize in working with expectant mothers. It has been shown that treatment from a licensed, well-trained chiropractor has fewer risks than taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Spinal adjustments are a great way of relieving pain or discomfort without constantly popping ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
We Can Help
Those looking for a supportive and experienced place to start their chiropractic care may want to turn the experts at the Integrative Chiropractic Center, located at 1580 Montgomery Highway #14 in Hoover, AL. We have assisted many Birmingham, AL area folks get pain relief from a variety of conditions. If you are currently suffering from back pain, neck pain, leg pain, scoliosis, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, or some other chronic pain, our team is ready to help.
Our team of health professionals will guide you through what to expect with your treatment, so you’ll never feel like you are in the dark. Contact us to make an appointment by calling 205-637-1363 today so you can start on the path to feeling better.
