Ritz Clinic

Your chiropractor needs a full understanding of your health history and overall current health in order to provide the best possible care for you.

Set aside at least an hour for your first visit to the chiropractor. Future visits typically last 15 minutes or less, though the time required will depend upon the type of treatment you require.

Here’s what you might expect.On your first visit, your chiropractor may ask about the following:

a description of your present condition and how it’s affecting your daily life
the steps you have taken to manage your condition
personal and family medical history
major illnesses you have experienced
surgeries you have had
medications and supplements you are taking
your diet and exercise
your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life

It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor.Your chiropractor may ask you to change into a gown to perform some of these tests:

a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing a test of your reflexes, strength and sensations an analysis of your movement — he/she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things, as well as how your body moves in the affected area a hands-on evaluation of how well your joints, muscles and other tissues are moving, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion.

Tip: Bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports you have. These assessments give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health. He or she will make a diagnosis, discuss options and recommendations for treatment, and once the matter of informed consent has been discussed, treatment usually begins.

If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make a referral.

What to Expect After Your First Visit

Shortly after, or sometimes on your first visit, your chiropractor will review their findings, diagnosis and make recommendations regarding treatment options. They will discuss these with you so that you can ask questions and understand the benefits and risks of the various options.Your chiropractor will periodically reassess you, and update your schedule of care depending on your specific circumstances and preferences.

For some people chiropractic treatment is like a regular tune-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life. For others, it’s an effective treatment when pain or discomfort strikes.Take the time to discuss with your chiropractor the treatment plan that’s best for you.

There are many reasons to see a chiropractor: work strains, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headache
Whiplash
Strains and sprains from daily activities
Repetitive strain injuries
Work and sports-related injuries
Arthritis
Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
General health and well-being

Chiropractic care may:

Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
Improve your posture
Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
Lead to enhanced athletic performanceImprove your flexibility and range of motion
Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
Correct gait and foot problems

Many more people experience other problems with their muscles, bones, joints and nerves. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If these cause interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions disorders of the muscles, bones, joints and nerves. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referred pain in your arms and legs and more.

Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion.