When you walk into a chiropractor's office for the first time, it's normal to feel both excited and nervous. You may be curious about whether the adjustments will bring real relief or wondering what the process actually involves. Many people choose chiropractic care for back pain, neck tension, headaches, or even posture support, and the experience often feels quite different from a standard medical visit. Chiropractors look at the spine, joints, and nervous system as a whole, rather than just symptoms. 

Knowing what happens during that first appointment can calm nerves and help you feel prepared. However, there is one part of the visit that often takes newcomers by complete surprise, and it is something you will not want to miss.

1) Take Some Preparation Before You Arrive

Plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early for your first visit. You will fill out health history forms inquiring about previous injuries, medications, surgical history, and current symptoms. Be thorough because the more details you provide, the better chiropractors can understand your specific situation and create an effective treatment plan.

What to Wear

Dress in comfortable, loose clothing you can move in because you'll be bending, twisting, and lying down during your examination. Most people wear athletic wear or casual clothes and unlike massage therapy, you won't need to change. You'll stay fully clothed throughout your visit.

What to Bring

• Government-issued ID

• Insurance card

• List of current medications (including supplements)

• Previous imaging (X-rays, MRIs) if you have them

• Your questions (write them down so you don't forget)

The Cost Conversation

Your first visit may involve an examination and, if needed, X-rays. Any additional services will be discussed with you before moving forward. If you have insurance, a copay may apply, and your benefits will be verified ahead of time so there are no surprises. We work with most insurance companies and accept many payment options, such as CareCredit and HSA/FSA.

2) The First 30 Minutes

The visit begins with a detailed conversation, not an interrogation, but rather a genuine discussion about your health. During the first 15 to 20 minutes, the focus is on understanding:

• When did your pain or discomfort start?

• What activities make it better or worse?

• Your lifestyle factors (desk job, physical activity, sleep habits).

• Your specific goals (pain relief, improved mobility, better athletic performance).

• Previous treatments you've tried and their results.

Questions You Should Ask 

• What's your treatment approach? (You have the right to know whether we use evidence-based practices or traditional wellness models.

• How will we know if the treatment is working? (We should have specific, measurable goals).

• What conditions do you most commonly treat successfully? (This tells you our areas of expertise).

• Do you work with other healthcare providers? (Collaborative care often produces better outcomes).

3) The Physical Examination: What Each Test Reveals

After the consultation, you will go through a careful physical examination lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Here is what happens and why:

• Posture Analysis
  You will be observed while standing and sitting naturally, with attention to head tilt, shoulder height differences, hip alignment issues, and spinal curves. This is not about labeling "bad posture"; rather, the goal is to identify chronic compensation patterns that may be contributing to your pain.

• Range of Motion Testing
  You will move through specific motions while the examiner measures and observes. This process evaluates how far you can move, highlights pain points, notes compensatory movements such as using your shoulders when your neck is stiff, and identifies asymmetry between sides. 

• Neurological Assessment
  Your reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength will be tested. It helps screen for nerve compression or irritation that might call for a different treatment approach. Abnormal reflexes or weakness patterns can indicate which nerves may be affected.

• Palpation
  The examiner will use their hands to feel your spine, muscles, and joints. This helps detect muscle tension, temperature differences that suggest inflammation, joint movement restrictions, and areas of tenderness. Chiropractors are extensively trained in this skill, using it to identify where and how an adjustment may be most effective.

4) When X-Rays Are Actually Necessary

You don't often hear about this, but X-rays aren't always necessary. Evidence-based guidelines recommend imaging for trauma cases, suspected fractures, chronic unresponsive pain, or progressive neurological symptoms. For uncomplicated acute back pain, X-rays usually aren't necessary.

Jachimek Wellness Center uses imaging selectively and strategically. If we recommend X-rays, we'll explain exactly why and what specific information we're looking for. X-ray costs are not always covered by insurance for chiropractic visits, so we only order them when clinically necessary.

If you need advanced imaging like an MRI, we'll refer you to the appropriate facility. Our goal is accurate diagnosis, not unnecessary procedures.

5) Your Treatment Plan

Based on the findings from your consultation and examination, you will receive a personalized treatment plan. Here is what typical plans may look like:

• Acute injury (recent): 2 to 3 visits per week for 2 to 3 weeks = 6 to 9 visits
  

• Chronic pain (months or years): 2 visits per week for 4 to 6 weeks, then taper = 12 to 20 visits

It is important to remember that these are recommendations, not requirements. Most conditions responding well to chiropractic care demonstrate improvement within 4 to 6 visits. If meaningful change is not seen by visit 6 to 8, the treatment approach is usually adjusted or alternative options are considered.

A Treatment Plan Should Include:

• Specific, measurable goals (such as reducing pain from 7/10 to 3/10, or restoring the ability to sit comfortably for 2 hours).
  

• A re-evaluation timeline (progress checked every 4 to 6 visits).
  

• Clear explanations of techniques to be used.
  

• Discussion of costs and time commitments.
  

• An "off-ramp" plan (how and when treatment will taper or end).

You can try to negotiate, let’s say, if a recommendation is made for 12 visits and you prefer to try 4 before reassessing, that is an option. If twice-weekly visits do not fit your budget, the schedule can be adjusted. Effective chiropractic care is built on partnership, and that partnership should respect your needs and constraints.

6) What Your First Adjustment Actually Feels Like

If appropriate, you may receive treatment during your first visit and the adjustment itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will typically lie face-down on a specialized table while your body is positioned to isolate specific joints. 

Controlled pressure or thrust is then applied, and you may hear popping sounds, which are simply gas bubbles releasing from joint spaces (a process called cavitation). The sound is often louder than the sensation itself.

What to Expect:

• Firm pressure, though not painful.
  

• Possible popping sounds that are normal and harmless.
  

• An immediate sensation of increased mobility for many people.
  

• Some mild soreness in the next 24 to 48 hours, similar to the feeling after a workout.

If you feel anxious about traditional manual adjustments, you can ask about gentler alternatives such as instrument-assisted techniques or mobilization. Studies show these options produce comparable outcomes for most conditions.

7) What Happens Next: The 3-Visit Evaluation Rule

In chiropractic care, the "3-visit evaluation rule" refers to the period after your first few treatments when progress is formally assessed. Some initial soreness is normal, however by the third visit you should start noticing changes such as:

• Less pain intensity or frequency
  

• Improved mobility or flexibility
  

• Better function in daily activities
  

• Reduced reliance on pain medication

Following this initial phase, three possible outcomes typically occur:

• Continued care: If you are progressing well, treatment usually continues with a gradual reduction in visit frequency as your condition improves.
  

• Adjusted plan: If progress is slower than expected, the treatment plan may be modified. This could include different techniques, added therapies, or altered appointment schedules.
  

• Referral or discontinuation: If there is little or no improvement after several visits (usually by the 6th to 8th), you may be referred to another healthcare provider, evaluated for alternative diagnoses, or advised to discontinue chiropractic care.

The re-evaluation process is a key checkpoint because it ensures your treatment is effective, prevents unnecessary visits, and provides proper documentation for insurance purposes. 

Most conditions that respond well to chiropractic care show measurable improvement within 30 days, making this an important safeguard for both your health and your time.

8) Making Your Decision

Chiropractic care can be valuable for specific musculoskeletal conditions, particularly acute low back pain, neck pain, certain headaches, and joint mobility issues. Research shows 60-70% of people with these conditions experience meaningful improvement within 4-6 weeks of chiropractic care.

It's not magic, and it's not right for everyone. Success depends on three things: condition appropriateness, provider quality, and your active participation in the treatment plan.

Jachimek Wellness Center is committed to evidence-based care that respects your intelligence, your budget, and your healthcare goals. We believe the best outcomes happen when patients are informed partners in their care, not passive recipients of treatment.

9) Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're experiencing musculoskeletal pain or mobility issues, we'd love to help you explore whether chiropractic care is right for you. Your first visit is about gathering information and building understanding, not pressure or commitment.

Contact Jachimek Wellness Center today to schedule your first appointment. We'll take the time to answer your questions, understand your situation, and create a plan that actually fits your life.