If you suffer from frequent headaches and it's been determined they are being caused by neck or back problems, going to a chiropractor may help. When you decide to go to the chiropractor, you may have questions. This article will give you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions people can have before going to a chiropractor for the first time. 

Do you need to bring anything with you?

You should bring current x-rays with you. If you don't come with current x-rays then the chiropractor will be a bit limited on the type of treatments they can offer you. They won't be able to do any big adjustments without seeing the condition your neck and back are in. Manipulating a damaged spine can put you at risk for further injury.  

Do chiropractors do massages?

A chiropractor can massage an area for a few moments to loosen things up. However, chiropractors are different than massage therapists and they focus more on the manipulation of the bones in your spine and other areas rather than the massaging of muscles.

What is an adjustment?

Over time, your spine can become misaligned. Poor posture, long periods of standing, stress and an injury are just a few examples of things that can cause your spine to not be aligned correctly. When your spine is not in proper position, it can lead to many types of pain and this includes headaches. An adjustment is the process of realigning your spine into a proper position.

The chiropractor can do this by manual manipulation and by using a special device known as an activator. The activator is a hand-held device with an end that produces a clicking movement. This end will be used along your spine to lightly "click" your spine into alignment. The process does not hurt at all.

Is it safe to have your neck cracked?

While it is not advisable to crack your own neck, a chiropractor can safely do so in order to relieve tension and help with pain. You want to make sure you relax so your neck cracks fully, giving you the most benefits out of it.

Now that you have the answers to some of those more commonly asked questions, you may feel better prepared to go into a chiropractor (such as one from Smith Chiropractic) for treatment to get relief from your frequent headaches. You may find that you need to go in on a somewhat regular basis to keep the headaches from returning.