4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Chiropractic Care

Chiropractor, Grand Junction, CO - Daniel Lonquist, DC, CCST, CCWP Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner. Back To Health Wellness Center, 970-257-9199 Google Places

By: Dr. Daniel Lonquist

The difference many of our patients experience between the time when they enter our doors and leave our office can be quite significant.  We offer the same advice whether you’re a regular patient coming because you slept wrong, or if you’ve never seen a chiropractor before. 

Regular care is preventative medicine.  The human body is an organic machine, and like all machines, it requires regular tune-ups to run at its optimal level.  A chiropractor will usually treat in two phases.  The first corrects misalignment in the spine.  In this phase the body is retraining the muscles that support the spine, as well as, improving acute symptoms such as neck or low back pain, while bolstering immune and nervous system function.  The second phase works like regular dental check-ups or an oil change every 3000 miles.  Keeping on track with chiropractic care can prevent the body from reverting to improper neurological patterns, and can lessen the effect of new injuries while also cutting down recovery time.

Drink water.  In the first six weeks of your initial care, you should be drinking at least 64 oz of water per day.  Water is the key component of life on this planet, and is vital on the most basic cellular level of body function.  

Stay Active. Even if you are being treated for a specific injury, movement is a good thing!  A chiropractor will furnish you with exercises and stretches that will assist in your recovery.  Take advantage of your increased range of motion, and get out and enjoy the day.

Instances do arise when inflammation from an adjustment will cause discomfort.  Muscle discomfort or tenderness after an adjustment can be soothed by icing.  Remember ice is nice!  20 minutes on, an hour off and never apply ice directly to the skin.  Omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in high quality fish oils can reduce inflammation and assist in cellular functioning.  Avoiding foods that contain sugar, gluten, and dairy can also control the body’s inflammatory response. 

Be sure to inform your chiropractor about improvements, changes in your condition, or questions about your treatment.  Active participation while receiving care will get you the best results by far!