If you’re visiting a chiropractor for the first time, it will help if you will avoid the common mistakes that chiropractic patients make. Even if you have been going to the chiropractic clinic a few times already, you may still be making some mistakes unknowingly. Either way, here are the things that you should not do when getting chiropractic treatment:
1. Not preparing for your appointment
Utah chiropractors, for example, are very specific when it comes to pre-appointment preparation. If you’re visiting a chiropractor for the first time, here are several things to remember:
- Dress appropriately for the appointment. Comfortable and stretchable clothes are recommended.
- Get adequate rest and avoid stressing your body before the appointment.
- Make a list of your symptoms so you don’t forget anything when talking to your chiropractor.
- Read up on what to expect for your first chiropractic appointment.
2. Equating chiropractic care to medication
Medication is meant to treat the symptoms of an ailment, whereas chiropractic care is designed to find the source of your problems and focus on treating that. Thus, chiropractic care is not like a pain pill that you can take when your symptoms flare up. Rather, it is a holistic approach that involves addressing the root issues through adjustments, getting rid of bad habits that have lead to these issues, and improving the quality of life as a whole.
That said, don’t treat chiropractic treatment as a quick fix to your issues. More importantly, don’t wait until your symptoms get worse before going to a chiropractor.
3. Not following doctor’s aftercare instructions
After you get a chiropractic adjustment, taking good care of your body is a must to facilitate proper healing. Here are some aftercare tips that you should follow after an adjustment:
- Give your body some rest. Avoid strenuous activity in the meantime.
- Hydrate yourself with pure water. Steer clear from drinks rich in caffeine and sugar.
- Do the exercises given to you by your chiropractor.
- Address side effects, which can be nausea, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms.
- Nourish your body with whole foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t get additional healing treatments, such as reiki or massages.
4. Ceasing treatment prematurely
Sometimes, patients stop going to their chiropractors when they start to feel better. However, just because the pain is gone doesn’t mean you can stop going to your chiropractor. Just like you wouldn’t stop taking maintenance medicine when you start feeling better, chiropractic treatment should not be ceased prematurely unless you want the pain to come back at some point. Listen to your doctor’s advice and stick to your treatment plan as much as possible.
5. Missing reassessments
Reassessments are done to monitor your progress every month or so. Thus, don’t miss out on these appointments if you want to continue getting better. Moreover, make sure to tell your chiropractor the side effects or symptoms that you’ve experienced since your last appointment.
Getting chiropractic treatment can improve your quality of life, not just your physical health. But to achieve the goals of your treatment, make it a point to avoid these mistakes before, during, and after each of your sessions.
