Whether you need to see a chiropractor for back, neck, shoulder, hip, leg, or sciatic nerve pain, it's normal to wonder what an appointment will entail. As a first-time patient, you may have many questions, including what you should expect or do after an adjustment. The following guide offers some important information you can review to help you get the most out of every chiropractic care session. 

What Do Chiropractic Adjustments Entail?

A chiropractic adjustment is a noninvasive treatment designed to correct subluxations, which are types of partial joint dislocations in the body. When the chiropractor treats a joint, it increases its range of motion and decreases any related pain in the area. Adjustments are usually controlled, fast-thrusting motions that reposition the joint past its normal range. This type of shift treats the misalignment by allowing the joint to naturally move into its correct position. How much force the chiropractor applies depends on the specific issue and its severity. For example, a seriously-dislocated spinal vertebra needs more force than one that is only mildly out of alignment.

Your appointment will likely include diagnostic testing, such as X-rays or a CT scan, that pinpoints the exact location of the problem in your body. It is normal to hear cracking and popping sounds during the adjustment. These noises simply indicate that there's been a release of gas in the affected joint's lubricating fluid.

What Can You Expect Post-Adjustment?

After seeing a chiropractor, ensure you drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated flushes out any toxins the body releases following joint manipulations, preventing them from resettling and contributing to your discomfort. Enjoy healthy foods, as well, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. The nutrients in whole foods help your body heal efficiently and discourage inflammation that can result in more pain. As a result, you should stay away from inflammatory foods, like processed fats and sugars. 

Additional post-adjustment tips include engaging in light physical activity to promote healthy blood flow throughout the body. Blood provides joints with oxygen that helps them heal quickly. Avoid explosive movements that are common in high-impact workouts to prevent injuring your joints. Your chiropractor can help you come up with an exercise routine that helps you maintain flexibility and range of motion without compromising the affected joints.

Farrell Chiropractic Clinic in Princeton, IL, offers quality chiropractic care services that promote joint healing. Since 1954, this wellness center has served patients throughout Bureau County and the surrounding areas. Their team provides a range of holistic services that never involve drugs or surgery. Whether you need chiropractic care to treat sciatica, carpal tunnel, or automobile accident injuries, the practitioners at this clinic can help. Call (815) 875-4408 to make an appointment, or visit the website for more information.