Your first chiropractic visit is probably going to take longer than future visits. This is because the chiropractor and/or their assistants will need to gather your basic medical history.

The doctor will likely ask questions about when your pain started, what seems to make it worse or better, and what you’ve done to ease the pain, if anything.

Arrive on Time

Your first visit is an opportunity to get a feel for the chiropractor’s office and learn how to prepare for your care. It’s also your chance to ask any questions you may have. Be sure to ask about techniques, recommendations, references and number of visits. If you’re an athlete, be sure to ask about sports injuries and how your chiropractor can help.

Arriving on time helps to ensure you’re ready for your appointment. A few hours before, gather important documents you might need for your visit, including new patient forms, medical records, insurance information and any other data the doctor might ask to review. Filling these out ahead of time can help streamline your process, reduce paperwork hassle, and prevent you from forgetting key details on the day of your visit.

You’ll also want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your visit. You’ll likely spend a lot of your time laying on the table, and it’s best to wear something you can move in. Your chiropractor might need to take x-rays, apply probes or other treatments that require you to change positions. You should also be prepared to talk about your pain, how it started and what makes it better or worse. Be sure to include any medications you’re taking and any dietary supplements you might use. Also, be prepared to answer questions about your family history and lifestyle habits.

Bring What You Need

During your initial appointment, you will be asked detailed questions about where you feel pain or discomfort and when. Be as honest as possible; it is important that the chiropractor can give you a thorough diagnosis. This is also a great time to bring up any concerns you have about cost, insurance coverage, and deductibles.

Depending on your condition, the chiropractor may need to examine you in different positions. It is important to wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a T-shirt or shirt and shorts. Avoid wearing anything tight, especially dresses or lace-up shoes. The chiropractor will also need to remove your shoes for x-rays and other tests. Ladies should consider a comfortable sports bra and tennis shoes, while guys should wear sneakers or loose-fitting athletic shoes.

After a physical examination and review of your medical records, the chiropractor will lay out your treatment plan. Make sure you ask any questions you have and schedule your next appointment before you leave. Keep in mind that you might feel a little sore after your visit, but this is normal. You should continue to follow the doctor’s recommendations between appointments, including stretches and exercises, staying hydrated, and using ice to ease any soreness. This will help ensure your continued wellness and long-term results.

Bring a Friend

A chiropractic visit is more than just a health check. It is a step towards a healthier, pain-free life. Even young children benefit from regular chiropractic visits, and it is a great way to teach them the value of keeping an active lifestyle.

During your first appointment, the chiropractor, especially if they’re knowledgeable like the Plano chiropractors, they’ll likely take an in-depth medical history, ask you about your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. Having someone to listen and encourage you during this time is a good idea. Also, a friend can help keep you on track to schedule future appointments, especially if you have trouble keeping your appointments.

Your first chiropractic session will likely involve a lot of movement, and you might be asked to remove your clothes for imaging scans, such as X-rays or an MRI. Therefore, you should wear loose-fitting clothing that you can move around in.

Your chiropractor will probably also instruct you to drink a lot of water after your adjustment. This is because after a manipulation, your body will release toxins and if you do not hydrate, those toxins can settle back into the affected area and cause pain to return. This is why it is important to hydrate before your appointment. The recommended amount of water is 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women. Also, you should drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. This is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Be Prepared to Share Your History

Like any other doctor, a chiropractor will ask about your medical history. They will want to know where your pain started, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, and if it is constant or comes and goes. They will also ask about any other symptoms you have been experiencing, such as earaches, headaches, or muscle pain.

It is important that you share all of this information with your chiropractor so they can properly diagnose and treat your pain or injury. This will help to ensure that you get the best care possible and that your symptoms are alleviated as quickly as possible.

During the appointment, your chiropractor will likely ask you to move around in different positions. This may include lying down, face up, or even on your side. For this reason, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing, such as a pair of yoga pants or some sweatpants.

You should also prepare to fill out paperwork prior to your visit. It is a good idea to do this ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about forgetting any important details when you arrive at the office. You can often submit these forms online, which will save you even more time. This will also allow the front desk team to verify your insurance coverage and check if any additional documentation is needed.

Be Prepared to Be Adjusted

After a thorough examination, including x-rays, nerve tests, and medical history, your chiropractor will begin to address your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. They may recommend stretches or exercises that you can do at home to support your recovery, so be sure to follow their advice.

The next step is the individualized chiropractic exam, which will include a full physical and specialized assessment of your neck or back pain. During this portion of the visit, your chiropractor will take your blood pressure, test your reflexes, listen to your heart and lungs, check your range of motion, and analyze your posture. They will also ask you about your work habits, family history, and medications. Chiropractors are not mind readers, so be sure to be as clear and detailed as possible about your symptoms.

During the adjustment, your chiropractor will move your spine into precise positions to correct any misalignments. You may feel a slight pop or cracking sensation during this process, but don’t worry! It’s just trapped air being released from the joints. This is a good sign that your adjustments are working! After your adjustments, you can expect to be a little sore for the rest of the day. This is normal, so be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. You will also want to sleep well to ensure that your body is able to recover.

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Your first chiropractic visit will likely include a consultation and adjustment. The chiropractor will likely request a full medical history and may ask for any scans or imaging you have, as well. This is why it’s important to review this documentation ahead of time and have any questions ready for your appointment. This will save time during your appointment, prevent duplicative tests and ensure continuity of care between you and your doctors.

Your chiropractor is not a mind reader, so it’s important to be open and honest about your pain. They’ll want to know how long you have been experiencing pain, where it is located and what makes it better or worse. They will also likely perform a physical exam, which can include tests like reflexes, palpation and imaging.

After gaining a clear picture of your health, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have, including costs and insurance coverage.

Remember, your chiropractor will likely be moving and twisting you around, so wear comfortable clothing. Avoid any constricting garments like ties or belts and opt for loose, athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and sweatpants. Gentlemen should also keep their shoes at home and opt for tennis shoes or slippers. Wearing tight footwear will make it difficult for your chiropractor to perform the examination or adjustment. This could lead to a painful session or even make the adjustments ineffective.