When you visit the chiropractor, you won’t immediately start receiving chiropractic adjustments. First, you and your chiropractor need to have a discussion so your chiropractor can understand your symptoms as well as anything that may affect your treatment. At your first appointment your chiropractor should take the time for a detailed initial consultation. During this consultation, you will be able to discuss the specific health concern you have come to address, but also any other medical conditions and information about your lifestyle and overall well-being. While your chiropractor will guide the discussion, it is helpful to have an idea ahead of time of what to bring up to ensure you mention everything you need to

What To Tell Your Chiropractor

1. Symptoms That You Don’t Know The Cause Of
   If you are experiencing any symptoms and you’re not sure what is causing them, let your chiropractor know. Even if you don’t think the condition is related to chiropractic care, it is always best to let your chiropractor know about it. Because your spinal column contains a collection of nerves, a spinal misalignment can cause nerve impairments that affect various parts of the body. The spine is also influential to other functions of your body, including your posture, your muscles, your joints, and more. You might not be aware that your symptoms are due to a musculoskeletal issue and you may be surprised by some of the benefits of chiropractic care. Let your chiropractor know if you are experiencing headaches/migraines, earaches, muscle pain, mobility issues, and more.
    
2. Medical Conditions
   Inform your chiropractor about any known medical conditions. Your chiropractor may need to avoid certain techniques or movements depending on your conditions. Your chiropractor will not want to manipulate any areas that may cause you pain or otherwise trigger other symptoms.
    
3. Medications
   Chiropractors practice non-invasive and drug-free healing, but it is helpful for them to know if you’re on any medications, as these can cause side effects. By letting your chiropractor know what medications you are on, they may be able to associate your symptoms and the medication and can suggest you speak to your family doctor about switching medications. Even though medications typically won’t cause side effects that limit your chiropractor from performing treatment, it is still best that your chiropractor is informed.
    
4. Past Injuries Or Surgeries
   Many people visit the chiropractor to help them heal from injuries. Whether the injury is old or new, chronic or acute, from sports or a motor vehicle accident, chiropractors can help to relieve pain, facilitate healing, and increase mobility. If you are visiting the chiropractor to address an injury, tell your chiropractor what the injury is, what caused it, how the pain is affecting you, and how old it is. If you are not going to the chiropractor to address an injury but you do have an old injury or surgical site near your treatment area, you need to disclose this to your chiropractor. Old or healing injuries or surgery sites may impact how your chiropractor treats your condition.
    
5. Aspects Of Your Lifestyle
   This is incredibly important for your diagnosis and treatment. Your chiropractor needs to know if you work an office job, if you do physical labour, if you play sports, and more. This can be useful information for determining the cause of your pain. For example, if you are experiencing wrist pain, it could be from repetitive use of typing at a computer or it could be from strain from playing a sport. Knowing the regular frequency of use and intensity of impact on the injury site can help your chiropractor determine what is causing your pain and they can inform you about what to do to relieve your pain going forward.

Visit A Chiropractor For Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain in your muscles or joints, if you have suffered an injury, or if you are experiencing symptoms that seem to have no cause, schedule a consultation with Shephard Health. During a consultation, Dr. Jay Shephard will assess your condition and explain different treatment options. You will discuss any possible causes for the condition and lifestyle changes that can help to relieve your symptoms. From the consultation, Dr. Shepherd will recommend a treatment strategy using one or more of the advanced chiropractic techniques offered at Shephard Health to get to the cause of your injury and start relieving your pain. To schedule a free consultation with Shephard Health and to get back to pain-free living, call 1-403-543-7499.

FAQ

Q: Why choose chiropractic care?
A: Chiropractic care is one of the largest primary health care professions in Canada, and approximately four and a half million Canadians visit a chiropractor every year for drug-free, non-invasive therapy. Dr. Jay Shephard is a leading NW Calgary chiropractor who tailors your treatment plan to include various modalities and therapies to best address your health care needs. Before starting your treatment, we evaluate your current health and past history of illness and/or injury to diagnose disorders related to the spine, nervous system, and joints.

Q: Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?
A: You do not need a referral to meet with our team. Simply call our office to book your complimentary consultation and begin your journey to wellness.

Q: How does a chiropractor address my condition?
A: Your chiropractor will determine the ideal treatment strategy for you based on a detailed consultation and examination. Your chiropractor may use spinal decompression to reduce symptoms with unknown causes or back pain, but other treatments may involve more targeted treatment, such as Shockwave Therapy, ART®, Graston Technique®, Cold Laser Therapy, and more.