What happens during my first chiropractic visit?

Your first visit typically includes a conversation about your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and, when appropriate, take x-rays or refer out for other diagnostic testing. Your doctor will then explain their findings and discuss a course of treatment for your specific condition. Check out our “What to expect on a 1st visit” video on our website for a great visualization of what your first visit will look like.

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Will I get adjusted on my first visit?

In most cases, yes, but it depends on your specific history and condition. Some patients may receive treatment during their first visit, while others may need additional evaluation first. Your chiropractor will explain what they recommend based on your individual needs.

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Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

Most patients do not find adjustments painful. You may feel pressure, movement, or a brief sensation during the adjustment. Some people experience mild soreness after their first adjustment, similar to what you might feel after exercising.

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What is the popping or cracking sound during an adjustment?

The “popping” sound you hear when getting adjusted is called a cavitation and it is generally caused by a change in pressure within a joint that results in the release of gas. The sound itself is not what makes an adjustment effective– an adjustment does not have to produce a popping sound to be beneficial.

 

Are chiropractors “real doctors?”

Yes. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Chiropractic education includes extensive study of anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal conditions. However, a Doctor of Chiropractic is different from a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.). Chiropractors and medical doctors have different training, scopes of practice, and approaches to patient care. Chiropractors primarily focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, particularly conditions involving the spine, joints, muscles, and related pain. They can also recognize when a patient needs medical evaluation or care outside their scope and make an appropriate referral.

 

How long does a chiropractic appointment take?

Appointment length varies depending on which doctor you’re seeing, whether you're a new or returning patient, and what services are being provided. Your office can provide an estimated appointment time when scheduling.

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Can I see a chiropractor if I've never been adjusted before?

Yes. You do not need previous chiropractic experience. Your chiropractor will explain the process and answer your questions before beginning treatment.

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What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. If you're coming directly from work or another activity, you generally don't need to change unless your chiropractor recommends it. If you are getting treatment that requires more exposure, your doctor will provide appropriate draping materials to ensure that you are comfortable.

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Is chiropractic care safe?

Chiropractic care is safer than driving on the highway, flying on a plane, etc. It is generally considered safe when provided by a qualified professional, but no healthcare treatment is completely risk-free. Your chiropractor should discuss potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and any factors in your health history that may affect your care.

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Can I see a chiropractor while pregnant?

Yes, in fact it is highly recommended by our doctors. As we know, pregnancy causes a lot of physical stress on the body and chiropractic can help decrease your pain and discomfort associated with your body preparing ready for childbirth. Our doctors learn how to specifically care for pregnant patients during their time in their doctorate program.

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Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes. Children, babies, anyone with a spine. Your little ones require specialized consideration and will be treated much differently than an adult will be treated. Chiropractic care can help children/babies with sleep issues, digestive issues, colic, problems with latching when breastfeeding, torticollis, growing pains, musculoskeletal complaints, minor injuries, sports injuries, and much more.

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What does dry needling do?

Dry needling is a technique in which your practitioner inserts thin, sterile needles into specific areas of the muscle, including trigger points, areas of spasm, painful or tight muscles, and muscles that may not be activating properly. The goal is to reduce muscle tension and pain, improve circulation, and help restore normal muscle function and movement.

Some dry needling sessions also incorporate electrical stimulation (STIM). STIM can be especially beneficial when a muscle is underactive or not firing efficiently. When a muscle isn’t doing its job properly, other muscles often have to compensate, which can lead to tightness, pain, weakness, and movement imbalances. STIM helps stimulate the targeted muscle and reinforce proper muscle activation—essentially helping it “wake back up” and fire more efficiently.

By improving muscle activation and coordination, dry needling with STIM can help the right muscles do their share of the work, reducing the need for other muscles to overcompensate and helping restore more balanced, efficient movement.

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Does dry needling hurt?

Dry needling is typically much more comfortable than people expect. Everyone responds differently, but many patients are surprised by how little they actually feel and often say, “That’s it?” after the first needle is inserted. You may feel a brief prick or a mild, dull aching sensation, especially in more sensitive or tight areas. Your practitioner will always work within your comfort level to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

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Do I need X-rays before getting adjusted?

Not necessarily. Imaging is not appropriate or necessary for every patient. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is indicated based on your history, examination, symptoms, and clinical findings.

 

Do I need to stop seeing my medical doctor if I see a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractic care can be part of a broader healthcare plan. Being a holistic form of healthcare, chiropractic care may replace the need for pain killers or muscle relaxers due to musculoskeletal complaints. However, you should continue seeing your primary care provider and other healthcare professionals as recommended. Your chiropractor may also coordinate care or refer you to another provider when appropriate.

 

How often will I need to come in?

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Visit frequency depends on your condition, goals, response to care, and your doctor’s clinical recommendations. Your plan should be individualized and reassessed as you progress.

 

Can I see a chiropractor if I'm taking medication?

Often, yes, but you should tell your chiropractor about all medications and supplements you're taking. Your health history and medications can be important when determining the safest approach to care.

 

What if chiropractic treatment doesn't help me?

Your treatment plan should be reassessed if you're not improving as expected. Your chiropractor may modify your care, recommend another approach, or refer you to another healthcare professional for further evaluation.

 

How do I know if my symptoms need medical attention instead of chiropractic care?

Certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation rather than routine chiropractic treatment. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as sudden severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, significant trauma, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

 

What should I tell my chiropractor before treatment?

Tell your chiropractor about your current symptoms, previous injuries or surgeries, medical conditions, traumas, recent illnesses, blood pressure issues, cardiovascular conditions,  medications, recent changes in your health, and anything that concerns you about treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions before an adjustment.