What do you do if.....

You are in screaming pain and can't get into the office?

RELAX.

(It's amazing how much that helps.)

Make sure you are able to speak, breathe, feel your arms and legs, know who and where you are and have bowel and bladder control.  If all that is okay, you are probably not terminal. Go to the ER if you can't stand it, or try putting ice on the problem area for 15 minutes.  Take it off for 45 and reapply for 15 more.  NO HEAT ON ACUTE INJURIES!  Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with two or three under your knees and one under your head. 

You had  your first adjustment today and your not better.

RELAX.

Depending on your situation, you may not feel any better until you've had a few treatments.  You may even feel worse...moving bones around sometimes makes muscles tighten up in an attempt to protect an injured area.  Try the ice for 15.  If that doesn't help, try moist heat for 15 minutes, followed immediately by ice for 15.  Do that twice and you'll feel better.

You've hurt your back and suddenly you have lost bowel and bladder control.

Do not pass go, do not collect $200, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM because you've got problems.  Same with the dizziness, inablilty to speak or move your arms or legs.  (It's never happened, but it could.)

Chest pains?

A heart attack is nothing to fool around with...go to the hospital.

In summary, our medical system does excel at emergency situations.  If you feel out of control, you probably are.  Go the the ER.  Chiropractic is not for emergencies.