Your First Chiropractic Visit: Here's What To Expect
The job of a chiropractor is consistently involving to include more up-to-date techniques and strategies for helping patients achieve relief from muscle and joint paint. In fact, 95% of past-year chiropractic users say it's effective, and 97% of past-year chiropractic users are likely to see a chiropractor if they have neck/back pain. If you're considering seeing a chiropractor but don't quite know what to expect from a first chiropractic visit, it's completely understandable. Here's are just a few things you can expect during your first chiropractic visit.
Addressing Medical History
In order to receive the best quality chiropractic treatment, your professional needs to have a full understanding of why you're visiting and which symptoms you're experiencing. You'll be asked to fill out some basic forms detailing your medical history. Don't hold anything back -- provide as accurate of a description as you can regarding the level and type of pain you're experiencing as well as where it's located. Keep in mind that you may also be asked to provide family medical history, pre-existing conditions, or other health-related information. Again, this is necessary for the most accurate diagnosis and chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic Exam
After your chiropractor looks over your paperwork, they'll perform a chiropractic exam, where they'll check out your pulse, blood pressure, reflexes, and more. They may test your range of motion and help you manipulate your body in other ways to properly diagnose the problem.
Potential For Diagnostic Studies
If your chiropractor notices something particularly concerning regarding your medical history or current symptoms, they may issue one or more diagnostic studies, like an X-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. However, they usually aren't required.
"Based upon the results of the patient's history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary during the chiropractic exam, and should only be undertaken if the chiropractor has a good reason to believe that the X-ray or other test will provide information needed to guide the patient's treatment program," writes Peter J. Schubbe, DC on Spine Health.
Though your first chiropractic visit may make you feel a bit nervous or uneasy, rest assured that they only have your best interests in mind. For more information about finding the right chiropractor to provide quality chiropractic care, contact Garden State Spinal Care.
