These are some of the most common questions I get from New Patients. If you are new to chiropractic or just new to Nashville Neck & Back, I hope that you find this helpful.

 

Q: When will I start to feel better?

A: Unfortunately, this is an impossible question to answer. Everyone is different and everyone heals at a different rate. Also, different people start their healing process at different levels. For example, someone starting care with 4/10 pain that is active and eats healthy will probably heal quicker than someone with a sedentary lifestyle and 9/10 pain.

“Pain is the last symptom to show up and the first symptom to leave.”

I have patients that feel better after their very first adjustment. I also have patients that receive minimal relief until their 9th or 10th visit….and then they feel much better. I encourage you to trust the process and NOT give up early on your care.

Q: How many visits per week and for how long will I need chiropractic care?

A: My goal is to get you better as quickly as possible. I also make different and specific treatment recommendations for each new patient. A common scenario may look like this: 2 visits per week for 4 weeks. At that point we re-evalute how you’re doing and make a determination moving forward. That could mean an additional 4 weeks of 2 visits per week or dropping you down to 1 visit per week.

Eventually we want to wean you down to every other week and eventually once per month. At that point you make the decision to end your care or continue on a maintenance routine.

Q: Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do after the adjustment?

A:

  • Don’t sleep on your stomach.
  • Don’t sit for 45 minutes or longer without getting up to move around.
  • Don’t bend and twist when picking up heavy objects.
  • Do use proper ergonomics while at your computer. Comfortable chair with lumbar support. Monitor at eye level. Desk/keyboard at a comfortable height. Elbows and knees at right angles.
  • Do drink plenty of water throughout the day. Example: about 0.5 ounces per pound of body weight per day.
  • Do make it a commitment to keep your appointments. Missing appointments can delay your healing.
  • Don’t (or try not to) “crack” your own neck or back. I know it provides temporary relief, but you’re not correcting the true source of pain when you do this.