How to Make the Most of Your Chiropractic Care
By Brandi Goodman
You've done it. You've gone to the chiropractor and had an adjustment. You feel great. Just because you feel good now, however, does not mean that will continue if you aren't following the doctor's orders. With a few tips in mind, you can make the most of your chiropractic care and ensure the service keeps you feeling good for as long as possible afterward.
Follow All Recommendations
Your chiropractor does more than offer an adjustment. She also provides a few instructions for afterward. These will guide you on how best to keep your body feeling well and preventing further discomfort in the area you've been having pain. You may have a list of exercises to use each day or be instructed on healthy foods that can help with joint pain. It's imperative that you follow all of these recommendations to make the most of the care you just received.
Drink Plenty of Water
Just because you've been adjusted doesn't mean your joints will remain flexible and feeling well. You still need to be drinking plenty of water so your joints -- and the rest of your body -- can get the hydration they need to succeed. Water is necessary for joint health and will ensure the care you just received will be maintained.
Stick to Your Chiropractic Schedule
You may be given a schedule for when to come back next. This greatly depends on your source of discomfort and whether you have serious built-up tension or just needed some preventive care. One person may require weekly visits for a while. Another may only need to return once per month. Stick with the schedule you and your chiropractor discussed so you can maintain your wellness.
Be More Conscious of Your Posture
Some people head out of their chiropractic visits into their cars and immediately make posture mistakes. If you keep your wallet in your back pocket, for example, then this practice needs to stop. Keep it in the front pocket instead or take it out before you plan to sit, at least. You should also be sitting upright and not slouched in the seat. If you have a long drive ahead, take breaks so you can get out and stretch. Being conscious of your posture immediately following your visit and thereafter will help you prevent future problems.
A visit to the chiropractor can greatly improve your well-being. If you want the care to last you, however, you need to make sure you're following some important protocols after the service is complete. Doing so will help you continue your good feeling for weeks, compared to just a day or two.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, N.C.