Going to the Chiropractor is a new experience for many of us. Maybe we've heard through a friend or have done some research online. It's possible that you are just fed up with living in pain and it's time to do something about it. In either case, your first visit to the chiropractor will really be about getting to know the chiropractor and discussing your history, current condition and goals.

Health History

The first step for a new Chiropractic patient is filling out a complete health history form.  Old injuries, chronic problems, and the patient’s present symptoms are recorded on the form for study.  All members of the staff are always available for a complete and thorough discussion with the patient.

 

Consultation

After reviewing the health history, the Doctor meets with the patient to discuss their problems and determine how they can be best treated through Chiropractic care.  Prospective patients are questioned by the Doctor about how physical strains have affected health by precipitating spinal misalignments called subluxations, and subsequent impingement of the nervous system.

 

The Examination: Tests

A complete physical, orthopedic, neurological, and spinal examinations will be performed.  Ranges of motion, reflexes and many others will be performed.  Further diagnostic tests may or may not also be performed or ordered (i.e. Blood work, urinalysis, etc.)

 

X-rays

An ideal chiropractic physical should include full spine (as opposed to full body) an important innovation of Chiropractic.  These standing films show the spine in it’s natural weight bearing state.  Subluxations are determined by correlation between the x-rays and the physical.  This office is highly concerned with the health of its patients and thus our X-ray facility is of the highest standard in equipment for reducing the exposure of the patient.  Our X-ray department consists of a high frequency unit with digital radiography cassettes.  Between the high frequency, and the cassettes used, patient exposure is at it’s lowest.

Report of Findings

After the doctor has studied the health history and X-rays, he meets again with the patient to explain the results of the examination and will give the recommended course of Chiropractic care for that condition. Instructional aids, so that any and all questions can be answered will be given to the patient or made available.

The Doctor will also explain the spine and subluxations. Each nerve root serves a certain portion of the body and its organs. Impairment of this function can cause or complicate many disease processes.

 

Chiropractic Correction

The adjustment, or correction of a subluxation is the means of care provided by the chiropractor.

 

And treatment

The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebrae to its natural position. The soft tissues, the muscles, and ligaments are stretched when the vertebrae are in an unnatural position, so these tissues must have time to “rehabilitate”. Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position, and the shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebrae in place.

Most patients will have treatment periods ranging over a couple of months and will continue Chiropractic care on a regular basis so they will benefit from the kind of health preservation that Chiropractic provides.

The term fixation applies to a vertebra that has lost its physiological range of motion; this may or not be affecting a nerve (i.e., subluxation). By removing these fixations at an early stage, the further progression of joint dysfunction and degeneration can be lessened or halted. Ask your doctor what type of preventative schedule you should be on.