Chiropractor for the 1St Time Nervous

If you have a good chiropractor then you have nothing to worry about. I never went til after I had my first daughter and I asked around before going. I heard this guy worked wonders, I went to him and I LOVE him! Took care of my back problems, and I felt 100x better! Go to someone experienced and that other ppl like so chance are you'll like them to.

i went to one and it helped a lot with my back problems. i they did sort of a test to see where the stress was being held in my back then adjusted me accordingly the next day after my VERY FIRST time going i had a hard time moving because my back was so stright that it was werid

As a registered nurse I was always taught that chiropractors where quacks. And I too had heard about the strokes, I think there is even a former Miss America (YEARS AGO) who I read about that supposedly had a bad experience after a chiropractic visit. But I am now a convert and actually make an appointment with chiro BEFORE my MD.

The condensed version is that my husband was born with a problem and he would through his 'back out of whack' at least every 6 months. He did that once but was supposed to golf in a big tournament he didn't want to miss. He said his doc would just put him on pain pills and muscle relaxants and he'd 'sit and drool on himself' for weeks. He wanted to try a chiropractor but it was before I had changed my thoughts. I said fine, but he was on his own with that decision! The chiropractor did acupuncture AND gave him exercises to help strengthen his back muscles. I kid you not, that was 10 years ago and he has never had a problem since!

Then about 3 years ago we had a big trip to Europe coming up. But I could barely sit for a couple hour plane ride due to an old tailbone injury. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it on a 6-7 flight, plus all the walking around.
I decided to TRY a chiropractor I had heard of. And Dawn B, was correct. I didn't even have to voice my concerns and this chiropractor (who actually has turned into a great friend) said up front, she will not have me coming back, several days a week, months on end. She wouldn't touch me without initial x-rays. And if she couldn't help me within a couple of weeks she'd have to refer me on. All I can say is that it was amazing. Not only did I make the trip but had a fabulous time and was fine. I didn't have problems with my tailbone again for 6 months.

I now understand too the preventative benefits of routine chiropractic care. No, I'm not in there every week, but probably average once a month.
I also agree with finding a good massage therapist. I too hold my stress in the same places you do. I'll try to get an adjustment and then in to see my massage therapist within a week for a deep tissue massage. The combination is so helpful for me.

Oh, and no offense to my other healthcare professionals. But if you do a little research it was the American Medical Association many years ago who purposely set out to destroy the reputation of chiropractors and osteopaths because patients were getting treatment relief from them and not utilizing traditional medicine. But a good chiropractor too won't mention that. They are just happy to see you and help.

I go to a chiropractor. I am an acupuncturist and in school the first people that got to needle the scary parts on me for the first time were my classmates. This is the same in chiropractic school, they practice on each other and all of their parts still work. All chiropractors are different, there are some that just crack and flip and you are done in 5 minutes. There are some that do massage and other types of treatment. If you don't like the chiropractor you see remember it is ok to go to a different one. Also make sure to explain the type of treatment you are seeking. I love getting my neck adjusted, I also feel better after it. I don't like getting my low back adjusted and I am very vocal about how that should be done.

I was a chiropractic assistant and we saw hundreds of people a week. (collectively in the practice) There was never a stroke :) I have gone regularly. I have "slipping rib syndrome" and I was always in terrible pain until I found a chiropractor. There are people out there with bad stories, and that;s because they saw a bad Dr. There are no more bad stories of chiropractors the MD's. There are bad Dr's out there and they span all specialties. If you have a good Dr., they will explain as they go and do everything to make you feel comfortable. With that said, if a Dr. tries to lay out a plan that makes you come back for a long time, find someone else. A good Dr. will say "Let's see you again and move forward from there." You will need more then one time, though.

Here's what to be aware of. You WILL be sore. It's totally normal. Your body has been in this place for a long time and moving it will definitely make you feel very sore. This is good, believe it or not. If you can avoid pain relievers it is best. Your body needs to create inflammation, in order to heal the area. Drink a TON of water. Water will help the soreness and help everything move into place and detox. Use heat, NOT ice. Use a wet heat, not a plug in heating pad. Those dehydrate your muscles. If you don't have one of the microwavable pads, you might get one. The chiropractor might sell them. If not, throw a wet towel in the microwave. If you can take a hot Epsom salt bath, that will work wonders. If you don't have time, make time for a hot shower. If you chiro sells Sombra (it's a heating cream for the skin) buy it!!! It is awesome! DON'T use bengay, biofreeze, or those types. I can't stress enough how important water is after an adjustment. Be prepared to be sore, but it will feel SO much better after the second time! One time will not be enough for a prolonged problem. You should go back as many times until it all feels right. Good luck!!

Good for you...Let me suggest massage therapy as well. I have the exact same issues you have and carry my stress there as well. If your chiro office has a massage therapist use that in tandem....What a life saver for me!

I go pretty regularly -- as needed for pain. Thanks for the reminder to make an appointment. LOL! I have gone since a kid, and I have taken my kids in on occasion. I think you'll be grateful you went. Go to someone who is recommended. GL!

I love, love, love my chiropractor, and i love getting "adjusted"! It feels so good, but you do have to relax. I've been going to chiropractors for 20+ years - I'm a serious runner so it really helps. No, chiros are not dangerous! In fact they're treatments are conservative - they don't give you drugs with horrible side effects - they tend to have the approach of "let's see what works" rather than "i know it all".
As far as xrays - my current one never do any - he just did a physical exam - testing my movement, feeling my back, hips, shoulders - Others have done xrays to see what was out of whack - it should depend on your situation and why you're going.
Just relax. It will feel and do good!

I went to a chiro for the first time when I was pregnant with #6. She was transverse. The adjustment in my body helped her to flip to the right position. I had a horse riding accident about 9 years ago and broke my left femur. Major bone. I couldn't walk for about 5 months. All of the recovery and therapy that took place over that time caused my hips to be out of alignment. Anyway, I now go regularly (every 3-4 weeks, depending), and it helps me tremendously. Otherwise, I am in great pain in my hips/lower back. After I am adjusted I feel like a new person. I hate getting my neck cracked. I always feel like she is going to break my neck. haha But, I am always so thankful afterwards because it feels so good to be back in alignment. Find out if your chiro does sacral-cranial work. That is awesome. Mine helps so much with headaches, putting pressure on particular points in my neck.. I can feel the tension and then the release. It hurts at first if I am very tense, but then it feels wonderful. I hope you found a good one!

It depends on your chiro. If you are NOT comfortable with them it may not be very productive until you trust them. I was terrified of being paralyzed, etc and even though my physical therapist always recommended it, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Then my son was born with torticullus (neck was tweeked) and I found that even with his PT, he needed more. I found a Webster technique chiropractor in my moms group of all things. I knew her and modestly trusted her. I psyched myself up to go before I subjected my son to it. I got an xray ( found out I have arthritis in 3 bones, go back pain!) When she had me lay down we were chatting but I was so stiff when she started moving my neck she said, relax! I told her my paralysis concern and then she asked my so worriedly, "can you feel your toes" and in a split second I forgot/relaxed about my neck and thought if I could feel my feet. She tweeked and I could turn my head to the left almost fully since an accident when I was 9 YO. She worked on my son & his issues were resolved within a couple sessions. My friend who is having chronic car accident neck issues goes to dickenson (sp) chiro down there and loves them. I see Dr. Jaimy Voigts up here in parker but shes' trimming down to only Belly Bliss and the Midwifery Center. I've heard there was a lady on Arapahoe Rd with the Webster certification. I think if you find someone who you jive with and understands your concerns, you will find a LOT of relief with your issues. Good luck!

Our whole family goes when we need to. My 7 year-old son goes at least 1 a month. He gets his neck aligned to help with his migraine headaches. I can tell when we need to go back. I have heard that you should bring your infants in to be aligned after they are born. They definately take a beating coming into this world and it helps get everything lined up for them again.

My suggestion is find someone you are comfortable with. We live in a smaller town and we know our personally. (Kids are in school together). This will help you feel for comfortable.

Good Luck!

I started going in Late Dec. I go 3 times a week and get a massage once a week. I also hold EVERYTHING in my back, shoulders, & neck. They did do x-rays & b/c of those I saw how misaligned I was. Due to having my kids my hips were way off, due to having a larger chest & poor posture my spine is already starting to curve, and my neck is way off center. These may or may not be contributing to my headaches, but for my future health & posture I want to take care of it now. I was VERY nervous. The adjustments are easy and painless. I wasn't sore at all afterwards. I was sore after my first massage, but I feel so much better after each one. I'm so much less tense, I sleep GREAT, and overall I'm much more relaxed. Honestly, you have nothing to worry about. :)

I've been seeing a chiropractor for nearly 20 years. NOT continuously! I get cluster headaches (think migraines, but shorter duration & more painful) and have had wonderful experiences with my chiro. She has never done an x-ray - never needed to. Some people may not believe in muscle testing, but between my experience in massage school and in her office I can't deny that it works.
Make sure that you are seeing a highly recommended chiropractor with enough experience to make you comfortable. Meet with the chiro and make sure that your personalities mesh well - you want someone who will listen to you, answer your questions and will NOT try to tie you into some long term schedule.
I will admit that there have been some painful sessions (especially when she works on the roof of my mouth - oy!) but for the most part there is very little to *no* pain. It should not be a very painful experience! One of my best memories of visiting Dr Brenda was when she told me "stick your hand out like this" and when I did she shook my hand and told me to come back when I needed her.
Fantastic woman!
It's absolutely worth it to find someone who will work *with* you!
Good luck!

I've heard I could get into a car accident just because I drive. Doesn't stop me from driving. Of course, I'm being funny here. Really, you heard horror stories about going to see a chiropractor??? I've been seeing my chiropractor every month, sometimes more than once a month for the past 2 years. First time jitters I suppose are to be respected but honestly, there is nothing to be afraid of. Here is what happened at my first appointment. First, I got an x-ray of the area that needed to be adjusted. The x-ray was reviewed with me right then and there and then the technician hooked these electrodes to the area on my back, I laid down (face down) on a table and they turned on this machine for 10 minutes that stimulated the area. They put an ice pack on the area during this "treatment." After 10 minutes, the chiropractor came in, he had me lay on my back, he turned my head to the left, {heard a loud crack), turned my head to the right {heard another loud crack}, had me roll to my left {crack}, turned to the right {crack}. He looked at my feet to make sure my legs were even (no joke!) and then I was done. It felt amazing and I felt so much better. I have long term issues with my upper back/neck because of a car accident years ago. That is why I have to see my chiropractor so often but most people can get away with a few appointments until the proper adjustments have "taken" and you're done. Chiropractor MAY recommend longer terms of treatments at first (like once a week or twice a week adjustments) but I suppose you can use your judgment if you feel you need them or not. I love going to the chiropractor. It's the next best thing to a massage. Yes, it will help you tremendously.

Everyone else here I agree with! I've been a chiropractic patient my whole life, and have worked for one for 16 years now. My kids have also been adjusted since birth. I will have a spine my whole life, and will have accidents, injuries, falls, and nervous system interference forever, so that's why I'll go forever. It's like having teeth but only going to the dentist when they hurt or fall out, or like going to the gym, you need to maintain. The spinal cord houses the nervous system, which controls all bodily functions, that's super important!

I would get xrays initially just to see what needs to be corrected or rule out other issues. It has helped my headaches, colds, ankle and knee pain, sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy, etc. And I've personally never heard of a patient getting a stroke, in our office or others we work closely with. I've also seen kids recover from bedwetting, colic, and earaches with chiropractic treatment. I'm a believer!

P.s. Webster technique is used for turning breech babies, but i would agree that most doctors trained in this method are comfortable working with families and probably pretty gentle in general!

Hi S.--
I live in Castle Rock, so I can make some suggestions if you like. Not all chiropractors are made alike---some are amazing and some are just okay. Chiropractic care has made a huge difference in my life. We've had our children adjusted almost from day one. We've also learned a ton about nutrition and natural remedies from the chiropractors (we see two different ones for other skills they have) that we see. I've never heard of any problems with chiropractors (although I'm sure people have probably had them). It should definitely help with your headaches--you might want to consider massage and NET (neuro-emotional technique) as well.
J.

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I go to a chiro that uses a hydrotherapy bed prior to adjustment. You lay on it and hot water spray under a heavy nylon cover (no water touches you) relaxes you as it moves up and down your frame. It's the best massage ever!

I've used a chiropractor for 25 years and it does relieve pain, pinched nerves, etc. I love how easily my neck moves after being adjusted.

Do expect for it to hurt a little bit and to feel sore for an hour or so afterwards, that's normal.

Have you tried Yoga? I would recommend starting to attend a Yoga class, it is a fabulous way to relieve stress and get out all those tension areas and it will also help you learn how to deal with stressful situations instead of holding them in your body. And I believe Yoga classes will be MUCH cheaper than a Chiropractor :)

Just a suggestion

*I do really like my Chiropractor but I don't got for tension. I have never had any negative problems, so it could be worth a try.*

I love going to my chiropractor.

They do electrolysis, which is 4 pads that they put on the sore spots. They shoot little 'needles' of energy into the muscle. I get put on that for about 20m.
Then they have you go stretch out in the gym. When you are done you come back and get checked by the dr. He checks your back for alignment. Makes some adjustments. Pushes here/there. Snap, crackle. Checks your neck. Makes it pop if needed. That one always gets me.

The key is communication. The first few times I went I left with bruises and no comfort. He said okay. There are two methods. The first didn't work, we'll try the second. He changed his method from the 'pound and pop' to the circular kneeding and that worked wonders.

M.