Chiropractic Care is Nothing to Fear
Are you anxious about visiting the chiropractor for the first time? You’re not alone. It’s completely normal to fear the unfamiliar. But going to chiropractor can be a very positive and therapeutic experience that can improve your overall health. It doesn’t have to be stressful.
Common reservations and questions include:
- Is it painful?
- I’ve lived with my pain for so long — I don’t think anything will work for me
- I don’t know what to expect
People have the same fears about visiting a doctor, counselor, or the dentist. But they can be easily cleared up with some education and preparation.
Here are 6 tips to help you overcome your fear.
1. Talk to Your Chiropractor
Your comfort is his or her primary concern. Let them know if it’s your first time visiting a chiropractor. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process. Knowing what to expect during the appointment will help you gain confidence.
2. Focus on the Relief You’ll Feel Afterward
Chronic back or neck pain can be debilitating. If you’ve dealt with it long enough, it can feel like it’s a part of you. But it shouldn’t. Envisioning a life with less pain can help you look forward to your visit to the chiropractor. Think of your appointment as the first step toward better overall health. You’re being proactive about improving your well-being — you deserve a pat on the back (pun most definitely intended!).
3. Meditation
Meditation is a great way to ease anxiety for any situation. It can help feel calmer and less stressed. If you have time, try meditating for 15 minutes the morning of your appointment.
4. Bring Along a Friend or Family Member
Having a familiar face in the waiting room can help you feel more at ease.
5. Make a Day of It
If your schedule permits, take the day off work so you can focus solely on your appointment. At the very least, give yourself plenty of time. You’ll feel a lot calmer if you don’t have to rush around.
6. Educate Yourself about Chiropractics
Confidence comes from knowledge. Being informed is a great way to reduce anxiety and uncertainty about any new experience. The American Chiropractor’s Association (ACA) provides a wealth of information on its website. Visit acatoday.org for articles, FAQs, and other helpful information about chiropractic.
This article was also featured on Wimmer Chiropractic, in Lynchburg, Va.
Credit: Article prepared and written by your friends at Thriveworks Lynchburg Counseling.
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Great suggestions! I also suggest that to decrease anxiety regarding going to a chiropractor you should check the chiropractors website for more information. Educate yourself on the chiropractors experience and look for personal reviews about what others are saying. This will help you make an informed choice in selecting a chiropractor and can help to decrease your anxiety or worries.
Very true, there are a lot of misconceptions about chiropractic care that cause people undo anxiety. But, once most people experience the relief that can be achieved all that fear goes away. They just have to be brave enough to take the first step.
It’s “Chiropractic”, not “Chiropractics”. The irony is that people are afraid to function normally again but have complete trust and no fear in Medicine, the #3 cause of preventable death.