What To Expect For Your First Visit

The first visit to our office is the most involved and takes approximately an hour.  Here is an explanation of what to expect during your first visit: 

Paperwork

 In preparation for the chiropractic consultation, the patient will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about his or her symptoms and condition. Examples of the type of questions asked in these forms include:

• When and how did the pain start, where is it located, what activities make it worse/better?

• Family medical history

• Pre-exisiting medical conditions or injuries, previous and current health providers and treatments

• Health insurance information

 After filling out the paperwork, one of the doctors will sit down with the patient to go over the patient history.  Many times, we will as the patient to elaborate on answers written on the paper forms so we have a better understanding of his or her chief complaint.  At this point, we will be able to tell the patient if the condition is one that can be helped through chiropractic care.  If so, we will continue on with the examination process to find areas of nerve interference.  If chiropractic care is not the best option, we will then find the doctor that can help the most.  We do our best to explain everything thoroughly and encourage patients to ask any questions they may have.  

Examination

 A thorough chiropractic exam includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

• Muscle tone

• Muscle strength

• Neurological integrity.

Further chiropractic exam tests are necessary to assess the affected area, such as:

• Ranges of motion

• Postural analysis

• Palpation to assess for subluxations/misalignments

Diagnostic Studies

 Based upon the results of the history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used by the doctors to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary during the chiropractic exam.

The most common diagnostic studies during chiropractic exams include:

• X-ray exam

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan

• Other laboratory tests.

In our office a patient would be referred to an outside center for x-rays, an MRI scan, or more extensive imaging studies and laboratory tests. 

Patient Diagnosis

History, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.  In our office, the doctors do a complete report of findings on the patient's second visit to go over the results of the exam/diagnostic studies, diagnosis, individualized chiropractic treatment plan, and anticipated length of care.  

Chiropractic Treatment

 A patient's treatment will begin on the second visit.  At the time of treatment, we will explain the adjustments that are being made and the instruments that we use.  

Chiropractic treatment recommendations may include some or all of the following:

• Adjustments to areas of nerve interference
• Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control, such as trigger point therapy, laser therapy, and traction
• Exercises to improve muscles balance, strength, and coordination
• Patient education to improve posture and motor control
• Other treatments such as massage, heat/cold application, and education on nutrition.