What to Expect From Your First Chiropractic Visit

It’s your first time visiting a chiropractor. If you’re like most patients, you enter the office with some uncertainty. For those not familiar with chiropractic care, the whole ordeal might seem intimidating at first. Chiropractors are highly trained and experienced professionals, so while it might seem intimidating at first, odds are you will be in good hands. Chiropractors will do everything that they can to alleviate your symptoms as quickly and easily as possible.

Patient History Questions

The patient history comes first. You may be asked to fill out a form or to answer the doctor’s questions directly. In some cases, you will have to undergo a mixture of the two. The history questions will involve recounting your symptoms and the information surrounding your lifestyle and the pain itself. Likewise, you may also be asked questions about your family history. In many cases, if someone in your family is predisposed to certain conditions, you may also be. To go over a patient’s history allows for a doctor to take into account any other medical injuries or conditions that might interfere with the treatment process.

Patient Chiropractic Exam

The exam will include very general tests. The chiropractor will take your blood pressure, check your respiration, reflexes and pulse. They will also check your muscle strength, neurological integrity, muscle tone and your range of motion. In some instances, you may require further tests. For instance, some patients may have to move in specific manners for posture analysis, undergo a chiropractic manipulation or have an x-ray.

Patient Chiropractic Diagnosis

Once your doctor completes the exam, he or she will be able to diagnose you. The combination of the answers you gave and the exam is usually enough. At the end of the visit, you should have your condition diagnosed and your chiropractor will set up a treatment plan for you to follow. In addition to knowing the treatment options that he or she plans to give you, you will also receive an idea of how much time it will take you to complete your care.

Your first chiropractic visit shouldn’t be intimidating! The practitioner is there to help you. While your first visit may involve diagnostic tests, you may also receive your adjustment on the first visit. Fortunately, because chiropractic care is non-invasive, you don’t have to deal with long waits to ease your pain. After all, most patients come to a chiropractor’s office dealing with pain. To set up your first visit, contact a chiropractor as soon as possible.

 

Resources:

Wikipedia, Chiropractic Care

Ameriwell Clinics, Chiropractic Adjustment Riverdale, MD