When do I go to the chiropractor?

When should I go to a chiropractor?

When do you go to a chiropractor? Is it best when you are in pain? Can I go when I am feeling unwell? What about a check up? Can I go when I don't have any problems?

These are important questions and hopefully I can try to answer these for you.

Should I go to the chiropractor when I am in pain?

This is a resounding yes. Quite often an adjustment can release the muscles, and joints that may be causing the problem. Release of these structures and restoration of a properly functioning nervous system in most cases will help east your pain. The chiropractor may also suggest some adjunctive treatment for you to do at home, "homework" if you like. This may consist of either hot or cold therapy, along with specific exercises or instructions to help minimise your pain.

If however your are in so much pain that you are unable to get into the car to get to your chiropractor consider contacting them first to see if they can come to you or provide some information which may help you at home so you are then able to come into the clinic. You don't want to do more damage getting to your chiropractor than you would otherwise cause.

Should I go to the chiropractor when I am feeling unwell?

How you are feeling is not necessarily a true picture of your health. You may have eaten some dodgy prawns and therefore feel really unwell however, you body is functioning quite well as it is getting rid of a toxin. Likewise you may be feeling great and yet may have an underlying problem. How often do you hear someone exclaim "I'm feeling great" but then found they had some undetected problem.

If you are feeling unwell, this means that something may not be working as well as it should. For instance if you are prone to colds it may be that your immune system is not functioning as well as it should. Decreased immunity makes you more susceptible to viruses and illness. As it is your nervous system that controls every cell in your body, including your immunity it makes sense to keep it in tip top condition when you have a cold or feeling unwell. It may foreshorten the illness, get you back on your feet and back to your lifestyle faster.

Should I go for a check-up?

Do you take your car for a check up, an MOT? Well you have to if it is over a certain age. So why does your car get a check up but not you? What about your teeth? We all know that we should regularly have our teeth checked. So what about the rest of you? What about your spine? Your nervous system runs through your spine. It is your nervous system that controls every cell of your body. So why not give your body a MOT once in awhile.

I don't have any problems, why should I go and see the chiropractor?

How you are feeling doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have any problems. You may not be feeling any symptoms but how do you know that underlying problems are not there. In the same way a car mechanic may find an underlying problem your chiropractor should be able to ascertain as to whether you are "running on al cylinders".

Can I adjust myself?

It is very difficult to self diagnose. Although you might be able to make your back crack and feel better you may actually be causing more harm. The joints that move easily will be the first to move, and the poorly moving joints may just become tighter and cause more problems. Chiropractors need to see other chiropractors to be adjusted and stay healthy.

To stay fit and healthy, ring your chiropractor, have that check up and make sure you are in tip top condition.