What to expect at a chiropractor session is simpler than most people imagine. Your first appointment starts with a conversation and a physical assessment, you are told clearly what is going on, and where it is clinically appropriate, treatment begins in the same visit.
This guide covers how long it takes, how to prepare, what happens at each stage, whether it hurts and what to expect if you are being seen for neck pain or headaches. It reflects how appointments work at Duston Chiropractic Clinic and Kislingbury Chiropractic Clinic in Northampton.
Your First Chiropractor Appointment at a Glance
- Referral: not needed. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly.
- Length: first appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes.
- Treatment: where it is clinically appropriate, treatment starts in the same visit.
- Cost: a new patient consultation including first treatment is £60 at our Duston clinic. See our fees page for both clinics.
- What to wear: comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Does it hurt? most patients do not find adjustments painful.
How Long Does a Chiropractor Appointment Take?
Your first appointment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. That time covers your case history, a physical examination, an explanation of what is going on and, where it is clinically appropriate, your first treatment. Follow-up appointments are shorter than the first.
How many appointments you need depends on your complaint, how long you have had it and your goals. After your initial assessment, your chiropractor will give you a clear indication of what to expect. Some patients also choose periodic maintenance appointments once their symptoms have settled.
Why People See a Chiropractor
People see a chiropractor for far more than back pain. Chiropractors assess and treat problems affecting the muscles, joints and spine, and the most common reasons for a first visit are below. Not sure whether your problem is suitable? Our guide on why you should see a chiropractor goes into more detail, and you can browse everything we treat on our treatments page.
Back pain and sciatica
Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit our clinics, and the cause can be anything from a sudden strain to a problem that builds up over time through posture or repetitive strain. See our lower back pain and sciatica pages, or read what can cause lower back pain, why your lower back hurts when sitting and what sciatica is.
Neck pain and headaches
Neck stiffness and tension are often linked to posture, desk work and stress, and some headaches start in the neck. Read what causes neck pain, text neck explained and why a headache will not go away, or see our neck pain and headache and migraine pages.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder problems are easy to mix up. Our guide to frozen shoulder versus rotator cuff injury explains the difference, and the shoulder pain page covers how we assess and treat it.
Sports injuries and muscle tension
For active people, a chiropractor can help with recent injuries and niggles that keep coming back. See our sports injuries page, and read about trigger points, tennis elbow and why not stretching before exercise can matter.
Posture and joint pain
Posture problems from desk work and daily habits are a common reason for coming in, and joint pain is not only a spine issue. Our guides on how to improve your body posture and whether your joint pain is arthritis are good starting points, and the joint pain treatment page explains our approach.
How to Prepare for Your First Appointment
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the area being assessed, you may be asked to remove an outer layer.
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete a short patient form, unless you have already done it online.
- Bring any recent scans or reports about your problem, and a list of your medications and supplements. If you do not have any scans, that is fine.
- Make a note of when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what you would like help with.
- Write down any questions you want to ask.
You do not need a referral letter, and you do not need to have seen your GP first.
What Happens at Your First Chiropractor Session
Every new patient appointment follows the same four stages, so your chiropractor has a clear picture of your problem before any treatment decisions are made.
1. Case history
Your chiropractor asks about your current complaint, medical history, lifestyle, activity levels and any previous treatment. Expect questions such as:
- When did it start, and what might have triggered it?
- What does the pain feel like: sharp, dull, constant, or does it come and go?
- What makes it better or worse?
- What do your work and daily activities involve?
- Have you had any previous injuries or surgery?
- How is your general health, and are you taking any medication?
- How much exercise do you do?
2. Physical examination
Next comes an assessment of your posture, range of movement, joint function, neurological function and muscle tone. Depending on your problem, your chiropractor may carry out orthopaedic and neurological tests, such as checking reflexes, strength and sensation. They explain each step as they go.
3. Diagnosis and explanation
Your chiropractor then explains what they have found, what is contributing to your symptoms and what they recommend. If imaging or a referral to another healthcare professional would help, that is discussed with you.
4. First treatment
Where it is clinically appropriate, treatment begins in your first session. Your chiropractor explains which techniques they are using and why.
What Treatment Might Involve
No two treatment plans are the same. Your chiropractor chooses the techniques that suit your problem, your preferences and your goals. Common ones include:
- Chiropractic adjustment: a precise, controlled movement applied to a joint. You may hear a click, which is a change in pressure within the joint fluid, not bones cracking. See our chiropractic care page or read what joint manipulation is.
- Joint mobilisation: slower, rhythmic movements, a gentler alternative to adjustment.
- Soft tissue therapy: hands-on work on muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. More on soft tissue therapy.
- Dry needling and medical acupuncture: fine needles placed into muscles and trigger points, used as part of a wider plan. More on dry needling and in our post on dry needling and medical acupuncture in Northampton.
- Sports taping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation: used where they suit your problem.
- Low-force techniques: such as Sacral Occipital Technique, for patients who prefer a less forceful approach.
- Rehabilitation exercise and postural advice: practical guidance to help you manage the problem yourself, such as these 6 exercises to ease lower back pain.
That mix of hands-on care, exercise and advice is deliberate. NICE guidance on low back pain and sciatica says manual therapy, meaning manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques, can be considered as part of a treatment package that includes exercise.
Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Hurt, and How Will I Feel Afterwards?
Most patients do not find adjustments painful, and your chiropractor will explain what to expect before carrying out any technique. Some people notice mild, temporary soreness afterwards, similar to the feeling after exercise. Reactions vary from person to person. If soreness lasts longer than you expected, or you feel worse, contact the clinic and we will advise you.
Seeing a Chiropractor for Neck Pain or Headaches
If neck pain or headaches are what bring you in, your appointment follows the same four stages, with the assessment focused on your neck, upper back and shoulders. That means how well your neck moves, your posture, how the joints and muscles are behaving, and where appropriate neurological checks such as reflexes, strength and sensation.
Tension headaches, and headaches that start in the neck and upper spine, are among the types chiropractic care aims to help, by reducing joint restriction and muscle tension that may be contributing. Treatment can include joint mobilisation, soft tissue work and, where appropriate, adjustment, and gentler options are available if you prefer a lower-force approach.
Some headaches need medical attention first. The NHS headaches page advises urgent help if a headache comes with vision or eye problems or vomiting, and calling 999 or going to A&E if it comes with a very high temperature, a stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights. Your chiropractor will ask about warning signs during your case history and refer you on if needed.
Read more about neck pain and headache and migraine treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor
- How many sessions will I need? You should get a clear indication after your assessment, and an honest update as you progress.
- Which techniques will you use, and why? A good explanation helps you feel comfortable, and you can say if you would prefer a gentler approach.
- What can I do at home? Exercises, activity changes and posture advice make a real difference between appointments.
- Do you recommend maintenance appointments? Some people benefit from them once symptoms settle. It is your choice.
Children and Teenagers
A child’s first appointment is different. Fia Magnusdottir sees babies, children and young teens up to 14 at our Duston clinic, with a parent or guardian present throughout. Read our guide to your child’s first chiropractic appointment or visit our paediatric chiropractic page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly without seeing your GP first. If your chiropractor identifies a need for further investigation or onward referral, they will advise you on the right next step.
How long is a first chiropractic appointment?
First appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes. That covers your case history, a physical examination, an explanation of what is going on and, where it is clinically appropriate, your first treatment.
Will I have treatment at my first appointment?
In most cases, yes. Where it is clinically appropriate, treatment starts in the same visit, and your chiropractor will explain which techniques they are using and why.
Does chiropractic treatment hurt?
Most patients do not find adjustments painful. Some people notice mild, temporary soreness afterwards, similar to the feeling after exercise. Your chiropractor will explain what to expect before carrying out any technique.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your complaint, how long you have had it and your goals. After your initial assessment, your chiropractor will give you a clear indication of what to expect. Some patients also choose periodic maintenance appointments once their symptoms have settled.
What should I wear to a chiropractic appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Depending on the area being assessed and treated, you may be asked to remove an outer layer, and your chiropractor will explain what is needed at the start.
Book Your Appointment
Every chiropractor at Duston Chiropractic Clinic and Kislingbury Chiropractic Clinic is registered with the General Chiropractic Council, and you can check any chiropractor on its public register at gcc-uk.org. Meet the team.
To book, call 01604 754 456 or book online. Duston Chiropractic Clinic is at Duston Sports Centre, Cotswold Avenue, Duston, NN5 6EX. Kislingbury Chiropractic Clinic is at The Dovecote, High Street, Kislingbury, NN7 4AG. Prices are on our fees page.
Still deciding who to see? Our guide to choosing a trusted local chiropractor in Northampton may help.