Whether it’s for pain relief or to target an ongoing problem, receiving chiropractic care can improve your daily life and overall wellbeing. However, when you’re on the road to recovery, you’ll need to do more than show up at an appointment. To maximize the benefits and efficacy of your chiropractic care, here are several do’s and don’ts to follow after you visit your provider.

Do:

Follow the instructions from your chiropractor.

Your chiropractic team will give you a set of instructions to follow after your appointment. These can range from taking prescribed medications to performing back-strengthening exercises that can prevent future injury. Follow the instructions precisely, or you’re more likely to experience returning pain, stiffness, and injury.

Schedule follow-up appointments.

Rarely is treating a chiropractic problem as simple as going to one appointment. To effectively maintain proper alignment and strength of the spine, ongoing chiropractic care is needed, such as regular adjustments, massage, physical therapy, and/or anti-inflammatory injections. Follow-up appointments are also key to monitoring your condition and adjusting treatment plans to accommodate progress or deterioration.

Don’t:

Slack on maintaining your health.

Neglecting your overall health will counteract most chiropractic treatments you can receive. Excess weight can put undue pressure on your spine, strain your back muscles, and inhibit your body’s resiliency and ability to heal itself. Eat a balanced diet and stay active so you can maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your back, and keep your spine strong.

Ignore the symptoms of a problem.

While one appointment won’t cure your ailment, you should experience some degree of pain relief and heightened flexibility after receiving care. If, after your appointment, you’re still experiencing moderate to severe pain, stiffness, or other concerning symptoms — such as numbness, tingling, or loss of bladder control — you should contact your chiropractor immediately. Unresolved, new, or worsening symptoms may indicate a serious condition that needs to be addressed.

When you need high-quality chiropractic care, put your trust in Wellspring Family Chiropractic in Cookeville, TN. Their chiropractor has more than 29 years of experience treating spinal conditions, offering a range of non-invasive treatments to amplify your health and provide relief. To enhance their care, they also offer massage therapy from a licensed therapist with more than 10 years of experience. Learn more about the conditions they treat online, or call (931) 528-5284 to schedule a consultation today.