What Should You Do Before & After Visiting Your Chiropractor?
In doctor’s offices across the United States, back pain is the second-most common complaint brought in by patients. The causes of back pain are numerous and vary depending on age, lifestyle, and genetic makeup. Similarly, the right solution for resolving back issues depends on the individual.
Many who suffer from back pain turn to a chiropractor for help. In the United States, over 18 million adults each year receive chiropractic treatment. For those who are thinking about visiting a chiropractor such as Dr. Grant at Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield or are already undergoing treatment, there are quite a few behavioral modifications that can ultimately help the healing process and prevent re-injury.Here’s a list of “do’s and don’ts” that apply equally to everyone considering chiropractic help for their back.
Chiropractic Treatment Do’s
- Following a chiropractic adjustment, be sure to get up off of the adjustment table by rolling onto one side. Rising to a sitting position by coming straight up off the table can destabilize the pelvis. Furthermore, coming to an upright position by rising off of one’s side is the safest and gentlest way to sit up, regardless of your back condition.
- Do apply ice after adjustments, if soreness is felt. Soreness is a normal side effect during the first two to six weeks of chiropractic treatment. When applying ice, aim for 20 minutes at a time, approximately once every two hours.
- During the course of adjustment sessions, keep legs uncrossed unless the chiropractor specifically asks you to cross them.
- Be sure to get enough rest. For healing to take place, the body needs adequate downtime in order to allocate resources.
- Keep a positive attitude and be patient. Although chiropractic methods provide many people with relief, the results aren’t necessarily instantaneous.
- Voice any questions or concerns with the chiropractor prior to treatment. Truthfully answer all background questions, as these allow the chiropractor to better assess your health condition and risk factors.
- Do consider speaking with your chiropractor about supplementing back rehab with yoga or pilates. These forms of exercise include movements which help to realign the spine. They also will develop your core strength, which is a central component in avoiding re-injury.
Chiropractic Treatment Don’ts
- Initially, avoid high-impact activities like running. For cardio fans, an activity like biking or exercising on an elliptical machine may serve as a more acceptable option. Many people find relief for their joints by swimming, as well.
- Don’t do any heavy lifting.
- Pay particular attention to the mechanics involved with bending over. Never bend from the waist. Always keep the back upright while lowering down using the knees.
- Don’t spend any more time sitting down than is absolutely necessary. To minimize sitting time, consider getting a standing desk or a kneeling chair for work.
- If possible, don’t sleep face-down. Some of us toss and turn in the night without meaning to, but don’t allow yourself to purposely fall asleep on your stomach.
Comments 17
“…over 18 million adults each year receive chiropractic treatment.”
I wonder what that number would be if all people with significant back pain tried a holistic approach with chiropractic work first.
Really interesting list. Next time I go to the chiropractor, I’m going to remember a lot of this and see what I do and don’t do to optimize my visit. Thanks for sharing this!
Excellent advice. Chiropractic care has made a difference for millions of people. Everyone should give it a try!
You are spot on with the comment regarding sleeping on your stomach. I am a massage therapist and this is one of the questions If a client arrives with lower back pain. Great comment and I have had a great experience with chiropractic adjustments and would alway’s recommend. Thanks for sharing!
There are holistic therapies that help Fibromyalgia and CFS symptoms. One of them is chiropractic. I visit my chiropractor weekly and it has made a world of difference in my health and quality of my life style. A chiropractor uses his hands or an instrument to manipulate your spine. When the spine is out of alignment, it causes pain and discomfort.
Good article…the biggest one I noticed was keeping a positive attitude. Healing can take a long time and it can be difficult to be remain positive during the time.
Really interesting, I’ve only heard a couple of these points before, like not sleeping on you stomach. But I didn’t know about the sitting up while on your side. It makes sense, but I had just never heard it before. I feel like chiropractors should have this list up in their offices!
Nice job, doc! I’m always glad to see great posts from DCs sharing information to patients.
All great advice. Following proper mechanics in lifting with your legs not your back can both prevent back injury from being exacerbated and prevent many injuries from occurring in the first place. Keep up the good work providing treatment to back pain patients!
Great post. As I chiropractor myself, and an avid runner, I know that it’s very difficult to change up your cardio routine. But I found that biking and swimming work best for my patients that are accustomed to doing high-impact cardio.
I completely believe in chiropractic. Our spine, being the literal backbone of our body, can affect other vital body parts, like our heart. Any chiropractor work is well worth in the short- and long-term.
Love the standing desks recommendation! Has helped my back immensely!
Good work Doc. Very informative article..Next time when I will visit chiropractor I will keep in mind all the dos and donts so as to feel the difference in my ordinary visit and the visit to chiropractor.
Nice job doc. I will show the post to my doctor to and ask him what he thinks about it.
I am in total agreement with your opinion on standing desks. Sitting at work can lead to lots of problems, musculoskeletal and otherwise.
Chiropractors recognize that many factors affect your health, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, environment and heredity. Chiropractic focuses on maintaining your health naturally to help your body resist disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease.
it’s always best to first try holistic therapies and chiropractic therapies first before seeking regular medical medications or surgery, for back pain.