Patients typically visit a Chiropractor for the first
time through a personal reference or a referral of another
health care specialist. At your first visit, you can
expect the Chiropractor to complete a thorough consultation
that may take up to 60 minutes or more and includes:
Patient History
In preparation for your consultation with the doctor,
you will be asked to fill out forms that provide background
information about your symptoms and condition. Types
of questions include:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is it located?
- Is it a result of an injury?
- What makes it better?
- What makes it worse?
You will also usually be asked to provide information
on family medical history, any pre-existing medical
conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current
health providers and treatments.
Physical Examination
Once the history has been completed, your Chiropractor
will perform a thorough examination. In addition to
general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration,
and reflexes, the examination will include specific
orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- Range of motion of the affected part
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
Based on the above examination procedures, further
tests may be necessary to arrive at the assessment or
diagnosis of the affected area (such as moving your
leg in a specified manner, posture analysis, or the
Chiropractor manipulating your arm or leg).
Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic studies are helpful in revealing pathologies
and identifying structural abnormalities that more accurately
diagnose a condition. They may or may not be necessary
based upon the results of the history and examination.
The most common diagnostic studies include:
- X-ray
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
- Laboratory tests
Many Chiropractors can do basic x-rays in their office,
but an MRI scan and more extensive images may be referred
to an outside center for which an appointment is needed.
Diagnosis
The culmination of the history, examination and
diagnostic studies is a specific diagnosis. Once the
diagnosis is established, the Chiropractor will determine
if the condition will respond to Chiropractic care.
The Chiropractor will explain:
- The diagnosed condition
- The treatment plan
- The anticipated length of care
Treatment Plan
Most Chiropractors begin treatment on the first visit,
although some may wait until the next appointment. Treatment
recommendations may include some or all of the following:
- Adjustments to key joint dysfunctions
- Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain
control (ultrasound, electrical stimulation and traction)
- Exercises to improve muscles balance, strength,
and coordination
- Patient education to improve posture and motor control
- Other treatments may be included, such as massage,
heat/cold application, and nutrition education.
Importantly, at this point the Chiropractor will establish
specific goals for your treatment plan.
- Short term goals – to reduce pain and
restore normal joint function and muscle balance
- Long term goals – to restore functional
independence and tolerance to normal activities of
daily living
To reach these goals, the Chiropractor will prescribe
a specific number of visits. An example would
be 1 to 3 visits per week for 2 to 4 weeks followed
by a re-examination.
At the re-examination, the Chiropractor will measure
the response to treatment and determine whether to:
- Continue treatment if appropriate;
- Release you from care if your goals have been met;
or
- Refer you to another health care specialist if your
goals have not been fulfilled.
