My First Time at a Chiropractor

Monday, I went in to see a chiropractor for the first time.

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.  Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. -American Chiropractic Association

When I was younger, I was terrified of chiropractors - the neck popping - ugh, no thank you! Well, now that I'm a bit older and more prone to ailments, I've slowly come around.

The manfriend is a big fan of the chiropractor and goes a few times a year when his back is bothering him to get adjusted. Granted, he should probably do a little yoga (ahem!) and some more preventative care, but that's beside the point.

I went to see Dr. David who is well liked in Eugene. His office was very efficient.

I had my paperwork filled out on Friday (thanks to the documents they provide on their website) AND knew how much my copay would be before I got to the office.

Because it was my first appointment, I had an assessment done to see what areas were issues (one of the assistants used little electrode things down my spine to chart this on the computer).

Then, Dr. David came in and explained chiropractic care, talked about what I'd like to make better (low back, neck, left foot) and felt along my spine. He located a few spots with "subluxations" where my spine was slightly misaligned, possibly from a number of things - sports injuries, falls, poor posture, etc.

What I was hoping to get treated for: Lately, I've been having a bit of low back pain, which sometimes turns into numbness. Then on Friday during lap swimming, my neck was feeling a little tweaked. And my left foot has felt really locked up lately.

I also mentioned that my left shoulder area is constantly locked up and popping thanks to (I think) an old lacrosse injury.

He then explained a bit more, said he felt like my pain could be helped by chiropractic and I let him get to work. With each pop and crack, he explained what was next before any popping or cracking happened.

I just focused on remaining calm and breathing deeply, which helped. The last thing I wanted to do was flinch and cause more pain than healing.

After a few key adjustments, he had me stand up and walk around. It was amazing the free and open feeling I noticed in my back and spine. It's sort of hard to describe, but it sort of felt like everything just had a bit more room to move around.

The adjustments were fairly harmless and did cause some popping sounds, but nothing that was painful. Also, chiros use this table that gives as they do the adjustment so that adds to the noise factor.

Dr. David told me to walk around the block before getting back into my car (and sitting all afternoon), ice if I need to (but no heat) and drink a ton of water. He also warned I might be a little sore for the next day.

He was right. I was a bit sore in my neck area and low back Monday evening and Tuesday. I did use a little ice on Monday night, but now things feel fine.

I'm going back this afternoon as it takes several sessions for your spine to get where it's supposed to stay. I'm sure the circuit workout I did at home this morning didn't do me any favors. :)

Have you ever seen a chiropractor? Did you have good results? I'm curious to see how this next appointment treats me. I'll let you know!