Top 5 things to know before you visit a chiropractor

Fernandina Beach Chiropractor, Dr Chris Hopkins, highlights the 5 things you need to know before you visit a chiropractor

The tide has changed. No longer is the question “do you see a chiropractor”? Now, the question is “which chiropractor do you go to”?

People finally understand that they cannot get healthy by taking a pill!

With more and more chiropractors opening their doors, it is important to find one that will match your goals. Chiropractic works whether you are a weekend warrior, an athlete, or a stay at home mom. Chiropractic has been used, and well known for treatment of neck and back pain. However, people are finding out that chiropractic helps improve their immune systems, how their bodies function, improves overall health and much more. Chiropractic is well known for back and neck pain, but is also used for symptoms such as

· headaches

· numbness in arms and legs

· digestive issues

· sinus issues

· Fatigue

· Infertility

· Colds

· much more

Whether you are currently looking for a chiropractor for the first time or you are a current patient, this information will help you understand that chiropractors are different and you need to know what to expect to find the right one for you.

1. What happens during an initial consultation?

An initial consultation with a chiropractor consists of a comprehensive history and a full examination that may include posture exam, spinal exam, active ranges of motion, neurological tests and orthopedic tests to gather information relating to your condition. If x-rays are needed based on the initial exam, x-rays may be recommended. If your problem is outside their scope of practice, they will be able to refer you to an appropriate medical professional.

2. What is an adjustment?

Once a chiropractor has reviewed your exam findings and has determined a specific treatment plan, the patient will receive a chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor will apply a specific force to your spine with the intention of restoring the function of your spine or joints and removing the interference from your nerves. There are multiple techniques that are practiced by chiropractors. Most chiropractors use their hands to adjust, while others may use tools or a combination of their hands and tools. We see many patients that prefer adjustments that are very gentle and do not include any twisting of their body. Others prefer more traditional chiropractic adjustments. At Hopkins Chiropractic Services, we use our hands and an adjusting tool to deliver adjustments that are specific for each person. Some patients receive traditional adjustments, some receive gentle adjustments, and some receive our “soundless” gentle adjustment, all based on patient preference.

3. Are adjustments painful?

This may be the second most important question to ask the chiropractor during the consultation. An adjustment should not be painful. There are multiple techniques that are offered for chiropractic adjustments. This is the time to ask the chiropractor hat technique he uses, why does he use that technique, and will he allow you to watch other patients get adjusted so that you are comfortable prior to your adjustment. Some patients like the traditional adjustments that include some twisting of the body and a “popping” sound which is a release of gas from the joint capsules. Others prefer a lighter, gentler adjustment that has no sounds. All techniques are safe, effective and help your body start to heal and function better.

4. How long do you need to go for?

Everyone is different. Patients have different goals and chiropractors have different philosophies (discussed in #5). So the bottom line is – it is up to you. It really depends on your goals. Remember that your goals may change during your initial phase of your treatment plan. If you are simply after pain relief, that may take anywhere from a couple of visits to a few months’ worth of visits. If your goal is to work on correcting the cause of the pain, your visits will take a longer period of time. Think of this in a different way – if you have teeth that are out of alignment or you developed a painful cavity. The dentist can fix your cavity in one day. However, to fix the alignment, you will be required to wear braces for a longer period of time. Once removed, you will need a retainer so that your teeth won’t go back into their original position. At Hopkins Health, we want to find the cause of your problem. Since the cause usually involves a misalignment of a patient’s structure, the initial phase of a patients’ care usually involves a few months’ worth of visits.

5. The MOST IMPORTANT question of all – what is their philosophy?

This may sound like something a patient may not care about, but this is going to determine how you get treated, what the chiropractors’ goals are, what techniques they use, etc. This is the only way you be able to find out if they are a good match for you. Let me explain- most chiropractors (80-90%) focus on pain and symptoms. They may adjust or use machines like ultrasound, lasers, electrical stimulation, etc. Other chiropractors (10%) focus on the cause of the pain and use corrective care techniques and rehab exercises. At Hopkins Health, we focus on the cause of the pain and concentrate on corrective care during the treatment plans. We want to make sure that our patients know exactly what is going on with their health.

6. Bonus – Are all chiropractors the same?

By now you should know that all chiropractors are NOT the same. You may feel like a number at some practices and get more individualized care at another. Some will provide treatment on your 1st visit and others may have you wait for the 2nd or 3rd visit. Similar to the medical community, chiropractors practice and specialize in different areas and techniques. The law limits a chiropractor’s ability to advertise many aspects of their practice. You have to ask questions to find the one that will match your goals and that you would be comfortable with.

Have you ever gone to a dentist, medical doctor, or a hair stylist that you didn’t like? The same could be true about a chiropractor. In the examples above, I’m sure you found a different dentist, doctor, or stylist, right? If you have had a bad experience with a chiropractor, don’t let that interfere with your future health. Use this information to find one that matches your goals. Now, more than ever, it is important to be proactive with the health of you and your family.

Dr Chris Hopkins at Hopkins Health specializes in helping people that suffer with neck or back pain. Dr Hopkins serves Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and surrounding areas.

If you suffer with neck or back pain and have tried chiropractic, physical therapy or medical therapies without long lasting results, chances are we can help.

Call today 904.468.2167