Chiropractor in Joliet

This is not an all-inclusive list either.  If not that long ago, you were in an auto accident or injured yourself during a sports or leisure activity, you should call our office too.  So many health issues can be relieved with proper chiropractic care.

Wellness care and preventative action are also keys to good health and reaching one’s ideal health.  Attending to issues before they become painful is always the best medicine.  Consider scheduling a visit with one of our doctors just to be proactive. 

Chiropractic care is not for everyone however.  There are conditions we can’t treat.  Chiropractors don’t treat fractures.  If you believe you have a broken bone, you should go to the emergency room for treatment.

If you’re still on the fence and not sure if you would benefit from visiting a chiropractor, call us and schedule an initial consultation.  After an exam, x-rays and medical review, our doctors will determine what, if any, treatment plan may be best for you.

What can I expect during my first visit? 

There are so many misconceptions about what chiropractors do.  We want you to be at ease when it comes to your first visit.  We start with a thorough review of your medical history.  There will be a questionnaire to complete that will serve as a sort of roadmap or agenda.  He or she will be especially interested in any pain you’ve been having, where, and for how long.  Diet, exercise, and sleeping habits will also be discussed.

Once these baseline items are documented, a physical exam will be performed.  Your posture, muscle strength, and flexibility will be tested.  The doctors will be checking for any joint misalignments.  They’ll also test your reflexes and range of motion.  It’s possible that X-rays or other imaging tests may also be ordered.  The goal is to come up with a treatment plan tailored as much as possible to your specific needs.

Depending on the diagnosis, you may actually have  your first adjustment during this visit.  You may also wait until your second visit.  For the adjustment, you’ll lay down on a padded table and the doctor manually realign your spine from this position.  During the adjustment, expect to hear popping and/or cracking noises.  This is normal!  One of the tools the doctor may use during this treatment is a small device called an activator or arthrostim.  

Don’t be ashamed if you’re a bit nervous when it comes to your first adjustment.  Keep in mind chiropractors attend undergraduate school, graduate school, in addition to being state certified and licensed.  They are trained in over 150 techniques, many of which are gentle and mild in nature.

So, what can you expect after your first visit?  Well, we won’t lie.  Some patients do experience soreness and fatigue, even headaches.  Stay hydrated and that will alleviate some of this.  Much like starting a new exercise regimen, your body is getting used to a new routine.  The good news is that many patients also begin feeling some relief right away.  Future treatments make this improvement even more obvious.  Of course, if you believe you are not responding to treatment or you ever experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness, contact us immediately.

Chiropractors believe in the power of nature and the body’s ability to heal itself. They will not prescribe you medication, but rather offer alternatives such as relaxation, stimulation, hot/cold treatments, exercise and diet counseling, massages, ultrasounds, and bracing when necessary. It is a non-invasive approach focusing on spinal manipulation and better alignment. 

What schooling is needed to become a chiropractor? 

Like law licenses, requirements and the scope of work chiropractors are allowed to practice can vary from state to state, but chiropractors in the United States generally have to complete a 4-year undergraduate study and a 4-year program to receive their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They also must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam to obtain a state license to practice. Chiropractors study anatomy and physiology; early in their career, they are closely scrutinized and supervised, practicing making assessments and spinal adjustments. In order to keep their license active, continuing education is required. 

Are chiropractic adjustments painful? 

No, they certainly should not be.  They are intended to be non-invasive procedures, during which a highly trained chiropractor uses their hands or a specialized device to apply force on a joint. That force, precise, quick, and controlled, is applied with the intention of realigning the joint. Most adjustments bring patients a great sense of relief. Typically, the most uncomfortable visits are the first ones with only minor discomfort or soreness. The discomfort doesn’t last though. Most patients leave the chiropractors’ office feeling better than when they walked in.