As winter is finally over and turns into spring with warmer temperatures, Chicagoans and fellow Lincoln Parkers should explore being outside more.  It is a welcome change to the colder temperatures Chicago had, despite not getting much snow or ice.  With the warmer temps brings more outdoor sports, including pickleball, softball, volleyball, and golf to name a few.  As Chicagoans continue to remain active indoors with classes, weight training, and Pilates, it is important to continue to work toward your health goals.  If injury is to occur where you develop pain in her neck, back, hip, or shoulder, calling a chiropractor to address your injury (or injuries) will allow you to hopefully return quickly to playing sports and resuming other athletic activities.  This post will address what to expect at your first visit, if you have never visited a chiropractor before.

Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can be a mix of curiosity and uncertainty considering how viral Tiktoks and Reels have made chiropractors only about “cracking” one’s spine or other non-spinal joints.  Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or just exploring new wellness options, understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

1. Initial Paperwork and Medical History

Before you arrive or at your initial appointment, the chiropractic office you speak with will ask you to complete paperwork consisting of your medical history, including current symptoms, family history, and a description about how the injury may have occurred.   This information gives your chiropractor a comprehensive view of your health and any issues that may be contributing to your pain and symptoms.  This will lead into your consultation and examination to follow.

2. Consultation and Discussion

The chiropractor will review your paperwork and sit down with you to discuss your symptoms, goals, and concerns.  They should ask about your any changes to your daily activities, work habits, previous injuries, and general health. Also, if previous imaging (X-rays, MRI, other tests) were done prior to your visit, one should expect to have these looked at by the chiropractor, and reviewed to create a full sphere of what this injury is.  Also, the chiropractor can identify what contributing factors may be involved in your pain.

3. Physical Examination

Following your consultation, the chiropractor will perform a detailed exam, evaluating your posture, range of motion, neurological testing (reflexes, sensation), muscle testing, orthopedic tests to try to reproduce one’s pain, and any special tests/screens to evaluate one’s function.    Also, one will perform a chiropractic exam, evaluating the various areas of the injured areas and surrounding body regions to assess muscle tone, movement of the affected spinal/non-spinal regions and any tenderness to palpation in these injured areas.

4. Diagnostic Tests (If Needed)

In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a fuller and comprehensive picture of your spine or joints. These are usually done to further solidify the cause of your pain, confirm your diagnosis (alongside your physical exam findings), and/or to rule out any other conditions that may be suspected. If the chiropractor has a X-ray machine in their office, they will take them there, and if an MRI is needed, this office should go over the steps to receive an MRI.  One cannot get an MRI readily without authorization from their insurance company as it requires several steps unless the person is willing to pay out-of-pocket (using cash/debit or credit card). The chiropractic office can set this up if one is willing to forego any insurance hurdles and prescribe this at a facility nearby.

5. Report of Findings

Upon completion of your exam and imaging results,  the chiropractor will explain these findings, including what your injury is (the diagnosis), if they can help you, what they plan to do to help with your injuries, how much it will cost, and how long treatment may last.  At this time, the patient is encouraged to ask questions to understand how chiropractic treatment can help and to decide if they wish to move forward with treatment recommendations.  As part of the report of findings, the chiropractor should go over the BRA’s (Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives) of chiropractic treatment.

6. First Adjustment or Treatment

If the patient agrees to treatment recommendations, your first visit may include an initial chiropractic adjustment or other therapeutic modalities such as soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques is preferred due to how effective it is for soft-tissue injuries),  muscle stimulation to relax very tight muscles, and/or corrective exercises. The chiropractor should explain what these treatments are aiming to do to provide comfort and to ensure confidence so one can begin to heal.

7. Home Care and Follow-Up Plan

Your chiropractor will likely give you recommendations for at-home care care and/or exercises at subsequent visits, such as stretches, posture tips, or lifestyle modifications. You may be sore or stiff following the 1st 1-3 chiropractic treatments and this often feels like a hard workout. The chiropractor will outline a follow-up schedule of treatments based on your goals to ensure proper healing and realistic expectations in helping you recover.

Upon scheduling your initial visit, here are a few additional tips that one should consider/think about:

• Wear comfortable clothing: This allows for easier movement and examination.
• Be honest and open: Clear communication helps your chiropractor provide the best care and allow you to get the most out of becoming healthier
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Understanding your treatment fosters confidence, trust and engagement.

Your first visit to a chiropractor is the beginning of a partnership in your wellness journey. With a clear understanding of what to expect, you can approach your chiropractic treatment with confidence and comfort, knowing that your interests are paramount to becoming healthier.  This proactive approach gives you peace of mind in knowing that you are at the right office to heal and to enjoy what Chicago summers are all about.