As a new patient in a Chiropractic Adjustment clinic, there are certain questions before the first adjustment. A lot of people are anxious before visiting the doctor because they connect chiropractic to the painful cracking old-school technique. Some clinics offer the old-fashion way. However, they also have a variety of techniques for patients.
Here are some of the things that a first-time patient can expect on their first chiropractic appointment.
Upon Arrival
Upon arrival most likely, there is a need to fill out the required paperwork for documentation in the clinic. Patients are advised to bring identification cards, insurance information, and any medical information documents or information. Most clinics have a few questions; here are the frequently asked questions that a patient should take note:
- Family and personal medical history
- Past operations or surgeries
- Any prescription or over-the-counter medications
- A brief description of the present condition
- Any major illnesses
- Sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life
- Steps are taken to manage the condition
- Herbal remedies and other supplements
- Exercise and diet routine
History and Symptoms
After answering and filling up all the paperwork, patients proceed to the treatment room where a chiropractor is waiting. Usually, the chiropractor will discuss the medical history and current ailment of the patient. In this stage, the patients should voice out their underlying concerns and honestly answer the chiropractor.
Questions about the purpose of seeking help, time frame when the pain started, and any injuries that caused the pain are usually asked before starting the actual treatment.
Physical Exams
Before the chiropractor starts putting any strength into the affected areas, a thorough chiropractic exam takes place. The exam involves a pulse tests, respiration tests, blood pressure tests, and reflex tests. They also do neurological and orthopedic tests. It helps in assessing the range of muscle tone, muscle strength, motion, and neurological integrity.
Usually, there are additional tests conducted for a chiropractor to determine the affected area. The test may include posture analysis, chiropractic manipulation, or manner of the area affected.
Diagnostic Studies
After seeing the results of the history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies take place to aid in identifying any structural abnormalities and in revealing pathologies to have an accurate diagnosis of the condition.
Though there are cases that don’t necessarily need a chiropractic exam, for some cases the chiropractor requires the exam to provide more information in the patient’s treatment program.
Here are the common diagnostic studies during chiropractic exams:
- X-ray exam
- Other laboratory tests
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
Treatment Plan
It is not uncommon for the chiropractor to recommend the patient to have multiple sessions. If the patient has chronic pain, bears a lot of issues at once, or have a high level of discomfort, they will mostly need to undergo several treatments. A treatment session can be a regular or weekly session. Some are required to have a monthly meeting.
Treatments depend on the ongoing care needed by the patient. Most of the time the chiropractor will consider the patient’s overall health, goals, and current physical condition to create a proper treatment plan.
Takeaway
Every first-timer can have anxiety while taking their first appointment. The steps above are most likely the common expectation in a first chiropractic appointment. Either way, the result will be the best for the patient.