Many assume that chiropractors are healthcare professionals that only treat neck and back pain. However, chiropractic care is much more than that and works beyond addressing the pain.

If you’re going to see a chiropractor for the first time, you might be wondering about how chiropractic care works. You may have some important questions in your mind

Following are 7 essential things that you need to know before visiting a chiropractor:

1. Holistic Care

The word ‘Chiropractic’ comes from the Greek word ‘chair’ and ‘praktos,’ which means ‘done by the hand.’ It provides the patient with manual, hands-on care. The treatment focuses on analyzing the effect your muscles, bones, and joints have on your health and provides minimally invasive treatments.

The patient goes through a comprehensive assessment prior to the treatment to enable the chiropractor to understand the underlying cause of the pain. After this, spinal manipulation and myofascial release is applied along with corrective exercises and counseling.

2. Preventive Measures

Apart from chemical-free and non-invasive treatments, chiropractic care also provides prevention services. This includes lifestyle counseling and corrective exercises.

Furthermore, chiropractic care helps avoid bad habits like bad posture and helps patients aim for healthier choices and practices in life.

3. License to Practice

Licensed chiropractors add the initials DC after their name. Just like medical doctors, chiropractors need to go through premedical courses. Later, they enroll in the chiropractic degree program that lasts for 4 to 5 years.

Lastly, they need to pass the national exam to get the license to practice chiropractic care. Though they are not actually licensed as doctors or physicians, you can address them as doctors.

4. No Instant Relief from Pain

Chiropractors’ main aim is to uncover the real cause of pain in patients. They firmly believe that by finding out the root of the problem, the right treatment option can be chosen, and the pain can be treated accordingly.

However, it takes time, and it requires a series of appointments. The patient will undergo a process that will promote fast recovery and healing but not necessarily an immediate relief from pain. It takes time to enable the body to adjust and make it better with each appointment.

5. Physical Examination on Your Very First Visit

The patient undergoes various physical examinations and tests to provide the right treatment option during the first visit. These will help study the muscle tone, strength, and range of motion around the problematic area.

The patient should expect to move around during the physical exam. Hence, it’s advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes. The patient may also need to undergo a CAT scan, blood test, X-Ray, and MRI to understand the problem better and provide the best treatment.

6. It’s More than Just Manipulation and Adjustments

Various treatments come under chiropractic care. Some of them are as follows:

• Electrotherapy: It electrically stimulates tissues to reduce pain, improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and more.
• Kinesio Taping: This therapeutic taping technique is focused on facilitating lymphatic drainage and mitigating pain by lifting your skin microscopically.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound:  This is used for treating soft tissue injuries.
• Flexion-Distraction Technique: It typically treats various spine conditions and helps to stretch and decompress the spine.

 7. Your Health Insurance Can Cover for Chiropractic Treatment

You must check with your insurance provider about their coverage because some providers cover chiropractic care. Most health insurance plans, including medical plans such as Medicare, Blue Cross, workers' compensation, etc., provide coverage for chiropractic treatments.

 Are you searching for the best chiropractor in Denver, NC? Little Mountain Chiropractic and Wellness offers chiropractic treatments to treat several conditions, including recurrent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, chronic injuries, auto accident injury, etc. Schedule an appointment with us to get effective pain relief therapies today!