In a previous post we discussed what to expect at your first Chiropractic visit and now it is time for your first adjustment. Your Chiropractor should have already discussed their findings with you and how you can best be helped with Chiropractic care.
So what to expect?
There are many different chiropractic techniques, ranging from gentle touch to using specialised equipment. Treatment may vary greatly depending on the Chiropractor and their personal preferences but in most cases a typical treatment will include Chiropractic adjustments. If you are nervous about your first adjustment, just let your Chiropractor know. They will do their best to re-assure you and tailor the adjustment to suit you.
Your Chiropractor will have found areas of your spine that are misaligned or not moving correctly, and these are the areas that they will adjust. An adjustment is often a quick thrust to the spine to put the joints into a better position and get them moving properly.
Your Chiropractor will often adjust an area that is already sore, so some adjustments may cause a moment of discomfort, but generally won’t cause you any pain. You will often hear a “click” during an adjustment and this is due to gas bubbles in the joint fluid being released. No need to worry as this is perfectly normal.
The effects of an adjustment are varied, and range from some patients feeling immediate relief, to feeling very relaxed or even sleepy. Some people will experience a mild ache afterwards and this is due to the muscles working a little harder to keep everything in the right place. This usually wears off within a day at two and can be compared to the ache you feel after exercising for the first time.
Chiropractic adjustments can have an effect on the nervous system so you may notice changes in other areas. I have had many patients report improvements with their sinus and digestive issues following an adjustment.
So how will you respond to your first adjustment? Well you won’t know until you give it a try.
