5 Questions you need to ask a Chiropractor

5 Questions you need to ask your Chiropractor

Are you wondering what questions to ask your chiropractor before you receive treatment? We have compiled a list of everything you should be asking before an appointment. We want you to be able to get the most out of your treatments.

As a Chiropractic Clinic we know that any new guest has questions. This can range from personal care to the horror stories that float around the internet. (PS. all Chiropractors at Bolton Spinal Health are fully trained and have a degree in Chiropractic care. So, no you cannot be ‘accidentally paralysed’ when you receive treatment from us- yes some people do ask this question…)

Having a Chiropractor that understands you, and wants to help you become pain free is one of the many things you need when receiving treatment. There is a lot more to chiropractic treatment than just adjusting spines. The attitude of your chiropractor can really affect the treatment you receive.

Our chiropractors are passionate about helping and supporting all our guests. We love being able to create a safe space and a place of healing for you. No-one wants to live in pain, especially when being pain free is only a treatment plan away!!

So, what are the best questions you should ask your Chiropractor? Here are our top 5!!

Are chiropractic treatments/adjustments painful?

As a general rule chiropractic treatments can be painful. This is because we are working the muscles, joints, and bone. Especially at the beginning, we are wanting the area to start to heal. Sometimes the area will inflame due to this, but that is not a negative thing. That means to body is reacting to the treatment and inflammation encourages the healing process. It does depend on your body, how intense the treatment is, and the problem itself.

Chiropractic care is a holistic health approach. This means we don’t use medication to cover up symptoms, instead we find the root cause and begin treatment. Symptoms just mean that there is a bigger issue that is being covered up. Pain medication can be used during treatments, but it does depend entirely on you, your chiropractor, and the type of treatment.

Do you only treat spines? If not, what else do you treat?

Chiropractors don’t only treat spines, we can help you from your head to your toes (literally). It is a common misconception that chiropractors only treat spines, when in reality we can help a variation of different ailments.

There has even been studies into how chiropractic care can help support mental health problems. The list goes on and on, from migraines to stiffness, from an achy back to tendon problems. Here is a small list of just some of the problems we can help with:

Migraines/headaches
Neck and back pain
Sports injuries
Shoulder pain
Elbow pain
Arthritis
Sciatica
Joint pain and dysfunction
Joint stiffness

Chiropractic care is incredibly important. Especially if you want to start living a more health-conscious life. If you have pain we can help treat it, but we also help with maintenance which is just as important. You don’t want to develop any problems or have an issue come back after receiving treatment, this is why we have maintenance.

Do you offer maintenance care after the treatment plan has been completed?

As stated above, maintenance care after a treatment plan is important. Without maintenance care you may as well have never received treatment in the first place. In the same way that you have to exercise, drink water, and eat healthy- you should have chiropractic maintenance.

You want to maintain a pain free lifestyle, and you also want to catch any ‘could be’ problems before they turn into something that would need a treatment plan. Maintenance is the best way to prevent stiffness, support previous injuries, to keep an eye on previous problem areas, and much more.

Do you give guests at-home exercises/stretches to help support treatment?

This depends on the Chiropractor, from our point of view we believe that home stretches can help with treatment. They are a good way to manage any pain you have between treatment. For example, if you had a tender knee and it causes you a lot of pain. We would recommend specific stretches for between appointments just in case the area flares up.

There are stretches that can be found online, but if you are wanting specific stretches all you have to do is ask your chiropractor. We have many stretches available on our social media, showing exactly how to do the stretch and how it may help you. We call it Friday Stretch Club, and they are available on our YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Are there any side effects that can be expected?

As chiropractic care takes a holistic approach, there isn’t any side effects that can be compared to that of medication. Side effects like inflammation, minimal pain during an appointment when working the muscles, or tiredness, are the main side effects.

Inflammation is usually the first sign of your body starting the healing process. Pain during treatment is purely from working muscles, joints, areas of the body that are stiff and have been in pain for a while. Tiredness is usually caused by the fact your body needs to rest during any type of healing or recovery.

Muscles have to be worked on to help the muscle relax, increase movement, to be able to work at 100% effectiveness. Think of your sore muscles as a bunch of wires tied up, we have to slowly untangle the wires so they can be used for what they are meant to.

Those are the top 5 questions you should ask your chiropractor. If you do have any other questions that have not been answered then please send up a message on any of our social media below. Alternatively you can call or email us.