Stages of Chiropractic Care
Most patients who visit a chiropractor are experiencing an ache or pain. The discomfort may have come on suddenly or as the result of an accident; it may have started as a minor discomfort that has gotten worse over time. Whether addressing new pain or chronic pain, chiropractic care follows a very clear path of stages. Each stage includes important and specific elements. Dr. Stein follows these stages of care:
1. Initial exam with x-rays. (Your First Visit)
1a. Dr. Stein will read your x-rays, report his findings, and share his diagnosis. He will offer a strategy for healing, providing a complete and clear explanation and carefully answering any questions you may have.
2. Acute care. As we begin to work together we focus on rapidly eliminating or reducing your immediate pain or discomfort and on stabilizing the condition. During this phase visits are relatively frequent as we correct your initial problem. While making these corrections naturally and effectively can take some time, this healing progress is actually quite rapid.
3. Maintenance and wellness care. During this phase we work to maintain the corrections that we have made and to proactively discourage the symptoms from returning. By making additional corrections to your underlying injuries and weaknesses we help you further strengthen your body and promote further healing of damaged tissues and nervous system. Exercise, nutrition, and modification of daily habits are incorporated into your learning and healing process, as appropriate.
Sometimes during this phase patients abandon their efforts, most often because their symptoms have lessened. However, discontinuing care before the spine, muscles, and soft tissues are fully healed can result in relapse and can significantly delay full recovery. It is our goal to help you maintain the efforts you have put in so you can live your life to the fullest.
When you assign your chiropractor a ‘maintenance’ role—just as you do your dentist or your car mechanic—you keep yourself tuned-up and running smoothly. With regular chiropractic maintenance your body can be stronger and more resilient, and you’ll be making sure your healthy back is helping you feel younger well into the future! By preventing disease and bodily erosion you can avoid future pain, you can avoid spending time in repeat recovery, and you can avoid additional healthcare expenses.
