Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, but it's a great way to restore mobility, reduce pain, and be in good overall health. If you're looking for a chiropractor near me, a thorough chiropractic exam includes general tests, such as blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and reflexes. The chiropractor will also ask for your medical history and any medical records, such as the results of diagnostic tests or imaging results, such as X-rays and MRIs. You may also be asked to indicate where you are experiencing discomfort by marking the areas on a drawing of the human body. A typical visit to a chiropractor includes an initial admission, physical exam, treatment, and follow-up plan.
During the initial consultation, the chiropractor will discuss the problems you have that cause pain, what makes the pain better or worse, how long the pain has lasted, and will review your family history regarding your injury or ailment. The chiropractor will then perform a physical examination which involves palpation, or the use of the hands, to explore the alignment of the spine and other structures. This information could provide important clues that will allow your chiropractor to correctly diagnose your problem. The chiropractor may also suggest X-rays if more information is needed about your injury.
At initial consultations, your chiropractor will tell you the status of your condition and recommend a care approach. It's common to feel a little apprehensive about seeing a chiropractor for the first time, but once you know what to expect, it can be less stressful and very beneficial for your injuries. The chiropractor can also ask you about the possibility of making important lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation, to improve your chances of healing faster or prevent further injury. Most of the time, the chiropractor will make adjustments to the spine but may adjust other joints such as the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow or shoulder to restore structural alignment or improve joint function.
After the consultation and examination, the chiropractor will develop a proposed treatment plan to help relieve pain and restore stability and range of motion to the joints and muscles. Visiting a chiropractor is similar to visiting other healthcare providers but has some unique elements. For example, if you have a lower back condition, the chiropractor will also likely perform a neck exam since adaptations resulting from an injury or subluxation in one area can cause secondary irritations elsewhere in the spine.
