Your First Visit to the Chiropractor

Your First Visit
To the Chiropractor

History:

When you first enter a doctors office, you likely fill out some "new patient" forms. These forms ask many questions pertaining to your health and the health of family members. This information may be used by the doctor during the consultation and also might direct an examination to pertinent areas for chiropractic diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, it is used to provide a reference point to your present health and have a point of comparison for post treatment.

Consultation:
After completing the history forms, a consultation is necessary which is simply discussion with the doctor. This helps to determine if chiropractic may or may not be for you. It is an opportunity to express your health concerns and expectations and ask the chiropractor questions you may have pertaining to the matter. It is also for the chiropractor to express his role in your health care and discuss your health prognosis.

Examination:
A chiropractic examination may include any of the following components:

Inspection - such as posture and gait analysis as well as general appearance
Palpation - that is, the doctor placing hands on the patient to examine by touch
Percussion - a diagnostic technique to determine relative densities of underlying tissues
Instrumentation - from nerve scopes to blood pressure readings
Ranges of motion - spinal and may include extremities
Orthopedic - usually only at the region of complaint
Neurological - muscle tests, reflex testing, and skin sensation
X-ray - to determine bone alignment and condition.
Motion X-ray - to determine joint function such as hyper or hypo mobility.
MRI - In certain circumstances, MRI's are ordered to better evaluate the condition of the spine.

A careful spinal examination will be performed to determine any structural or functional abnormalities. This will be the primary focus as spinal problems are often the root of the patients condition. All of the above examinations need not be performed on every patient, as every patient is different. Generally, the doctor need only inspect, perform palpation, range of motion and x-ray. Information from other tests does not necessarily alter the care plan, but rather, provides a reference point for determining the extent of a persons health or lack of. This information may be valuable to do comparative examinations in the future.

X-rays:
X-rays are usually taken of a spinal region to be treated. They are not always necessary. Sometimes regional shots are taken. Other times "full spine" views are taken. The radiation dose is low, however, x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. The chiropractor is highly trained in determining bone alignment from x-rays. This information is used to aid in making a specific spinal correction. The chiropractor will probably discuss findings on x-rays prior to an adjustment.

Adjustment:
A spinal adjustment involves the specific moving of a bone of the axial skeleton to make a correction to the position and function of a vertebral motor unit for the purpose of improving nerve impulses. Simply put, this is what makes the patient better. There are many sophisticated techniques used by chiropractors. Most chiropractors employ several different techniques and are able to take care of anyone with a subluxation. Sometimes there are "cracking noises" associated with the moving of a bone. Other times, instruments are used to accomplish the same objective. There are very low force techniques available for the osteoporotic and elderly. Usually, adjustments do not hurt. Most patients find them very enjoyable and look forward to getting adjusted. Sometimes there is a temporary discomfort during and immediately following the correction. Other times, there is minor muscle soreness the following day associated with the correction. Sometimes good things, like exercise and adjustments, cause muscle soreness. And like exercise, the amount of soreness is directly related to the amount of change that has taken place.

Special Instructions:
The chiropractor is responsible for adjusting subluxations and providing the patient with instruction that will aid the patient in heath and general wellness. Special instructions may include ice, heat, stretching, exercise, nutrition, rest, etc.

The information contained on this page describes proceedures used in my practice. Most chiropractors use similar proceedures. The extent of examination may vary from one doctor to another. Many use treatment methods in addition to the chiropractic adjustment. The information contained in this page, however, describes what I believe is standard practice.