Before your very first visit to a chiropractor, it’s natural to have a lot of questions and concerns running through your head. How does chiropractic care work? Is it safe for all ages? Is it effective? And, of course, one of the most common questions for first-time patients: does chiropractic care hurt?
In this blog, we’re answering these questions to prepare you for your first chiropractic appointment better. We’re here to put your mind at ease by revealing that, for most patients, chiropractic adjustments are not painful at all. In fact, many of our patients report that the adjustments feel soothing or relaxing.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Before we dive into some of the more specific questions, let’s take a look at how this type of therapy works. The core of chiropractic care is based on a series of chiropractic adjustments that work to realign your musculoskeletal system. These adjustments are manual types of therapy, where a chiropractor uses their hands (or occasionally small instruments) to apply controlled force along the spinal column. When properly applied, these adjustments can realign your spine into its natural positioning, which offers a range of health benefits.
One of the key benefits of chiropractic care is that it can be tailored to address your specific healthcare needs. For example, your chiropractor may utilize a specific type of adjustment, such as spinal manipulation, to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your session.
Some of the other common types of adjustments include the Gonstead technique, the Activator Method, or the Diversified technique. Regardless of the method utilized by your chiropractor, chiropractic adjustments are a safe and non-invasive form of therapy. This makes them an ideal alternative to back surgery or prescription medication.
What Can Chiropractic Care Treat?
We all know that visiting a chiropractor can be an effective option for treating back pain and mobility issues. But in reality, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many new patients are amazed to learn about just how many different types of injuries and ailments can be treated by chiropractic care and adjustments.
Whether it’s just one visit or a series of chiropractic sessions, these healthcare specialists can provide a range of benefits. Some of the most well-known benefits of chiropractic care include quick pain relief, improved mobility, and even better nervous system health. Regular chiropractic care can also help you prevent future injuries, making this type of care ideal for athletes and weekend warriors.
If you’re experiencing one of the following health issues, consult with your doctor as to whether or not chiropractic care would be a good choice for you. Also, consider reaching out to a local chiropractic office for more information.
- Back pain
- Neck pain and headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Poor mobility
- Knee pain
- Whiplash and other car accident injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sports-related injuries
Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?
It’s natural to have some concerns before your first chiropractic visit. After all, how can it not hurt a little with those loud cracks you hear from chiropractic adjustments? But for most patients, rest assured that chiropractic care does not hurt. But for most patients, the experience is not painful.
During a chiropractic session, it’s common to hear a popping or cracking sound when the pressure is applied. But this is just the release of a gas bubble caused by a drop in pressure in the fluid between your spinal joints. It’s similar to cracking your knuckles. Very few patients report any pain during their treatment. In fact, for most patients, it’s the complete opposite.
Chiropractic adjustments can offer quick and effective pain relief, leaving you feeling refreshed after your visit. While it’s likely that you won’t experience any pain during or after the adjustment, it is normal to be sore after chiropractor visits, especially during your first few sessions.
Soreness After Chiropractor
Mild soreness or minor aches are a positive indicator that your body is beginning to heal itself and recover naturally. This mild soreness is similar to how you’d feel after a good workout at the gym and usually subsides after a day or two. Though it’s normal to feel sore after chiropractic adjustments, if the soreness persists for more than one or two days, it’s best to reach out to your chiropractor.
Conclusion – Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?
It’s normal to feel apprehensive about chiropractic adjustments, but chiropractic adjustments are a safe, non-invasive form of musculoskeletal therapy that can provide immediate pain relief. Though you may feel some soreness, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt for most patients.
Our experienced chiropractors at Governor’s Park Chiropractic know how to utilize evidence-based therapy techniques that cause little to no pain to our patients. If you’re looking for an experienced Denver chiropractor, you’ve come to the right place.
Contact us today and discover what our full-service chiropractic office can do for you.
Governor's Park Chiropractic is the Colorado chiropractor team dedicated to helping individuals get out of pain and achieve better health. Offering a range of services and treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient.