No matter whether you are new to chiropractic care or a current patient, there are a few things to know and follow to get the most value from your care.
First, you need to find a chiropractor that puts you at ease and you trust.
Feeling comfortable and having a trusting relationship is key.
Second, it’s important to know that chiropractors see your health and wellness through how well your spine is aligned. The reason why? Your spine houses and protects the most important communications system in your body—the nervous system. Your nervous system controls your body’s communications allowing the body to know what is going on so it can make adjustments and keep you well. When the spine is out of alignment (or you have a subluxation) the communications in the nervous system gets distorted affecting your overall health and well-being.
This is why listening to a chiropractor’s advice about your health is very important and needs to be taken seriously.
Third, coming for treatment at the frequency and duration of care recommended is important even when there is no pain. Typically pain shows up when there is extreme stress on your spine— usually months to years after the initial misalignment. Because your muscles and body structure have adapted to a new pattern, it will take time to retrain your muscles to support your spine for proper alignment.
Coming in at the frequency and duration of care recommended can also save you money by eliminating the need to extend care. The longer you have stress on your spine, the more likely it is compromising your health and potentially leading to other complications and costs.
Last, participate fully in your care. Your chiropractic treatments need to be supported by wise lifestyle choices. You need to pay attention to how you feed your body—physically, emotionally and mentally. Eating healthy, keeping hydrated, incorporating regular exercise and reducing stress will support your treatments and general well-being.
So if the doctor talks about exercise or drinking water or eating a certain way or sleeping eight hours a day—listen—and do your part. These recommendations are also part of your treatment protocol to keep you healthy, happy and living a more engaged and active life longer.
Getting the most value from chiropractic care and keeping it affordable is about listening to your doctor, your body, heeding their wisdom, getting check ups and living a healthy lifestyle. You will be happier, healthier and save money on medical expenses.
Dr. Steven Trauben is the founder of King Street Chiropractic Wellness Center, a pain relief and wellness center located in Alexandria, Virginia. He has been practicing just outside Washington DC for over twenty years. The center offers affordable comprehensive care programs for optimal wellness through chiropractic care, exercise, massage, nutrition & meditation. If you’re interested in speaking with Dr. Trauben, you can call (703) 454-5180 to schedule an appointment or you can book an appointment online www.kingstreetwellness.com.