You may think of a chiropractor as someone who will ease your back pain, but in fact, a chiropractor does much more than that. In order to receive the proper care you need, your chiropractor will need a complete medical history and a picture of your current health status.
On your first visit, expect to spend at least 30 minutes to discuss any health issues. If you have a copy of x-rays or radiology reports, you will need to give them to your chiropractor to review. He or she may want to give you a general physical and take your blood pressure, reflexes, breathing and an analysis of your posture.
Be prepared to discuss your current level of activity, your stress levels, medications you are on and your general health condition. They will also want to know your family medical history. Your back problems could be hereditary. Tell your chiropractor if you have had any major illnesses or surgery in the last 5 years.
Having thorough knowledge of your medical history and your current health status, along with your activity levels, will give your chiropractor a better picture of how they can best help you. They will be able to tell if your condition is temporary or will require long term treatment.
Once the initial consultation is complete, you can expect each visit to last only 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the condition that you are being treated for. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
A chiropractor may recommend that in between visits you take the necessary steps to improve your overall health like quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and eating healthier. He or she may even request that you lose weight. Extra weight places a tremendous strain on your body.
Whether you are suffering from neck pain, back pain or sciatic pain, your chiropractor can relieve the systems and help them from re-occurring; but it is important to take responsibility for your own health and make sure you are taking care of yourself. For instance, lower back pain may be caused by nothing more than being overweight.
