A chiropractic consultation could be the first step on the path towards a healthier, more active, and pain-free future.
But what can you expect during a chiropractic consultation? What questions will the chiropractor ask? Will you need to do any tests? Today, we’re explaining what to expect during the average chiropractic consultation.
An Overview of Patient History and Symptoms
Typically, before the consultation takes place, the patient will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire explaining history and symptoms.
Types of questions a patient will be asked to answer include:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is the pain located?
- Is the pain sharp? Dull? Searing or burning? Throbbing?
- Does the pain come and go? Or is it continual?
- Did the pain start or become worse after an injury? A car accident? A fall? A sports injury?
- Does the pain get better or worse during certain activities or situations?
After answering these questions, patients may also be asked for basic information about their family medical history as well as any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries. You may also be asked about your previous or current healthcare providers, any treatments they used, and whether or not the treatments were successful.
A Chiropractic Exam
A standard chiropractic exam varies between chiropractic clinics. Generally, however, a chiropractic exam will include tests for blood pressure, respiration, and reflexes – similar to a general physical from your doctor. The chiropractor may also perform additional orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- The range of motion of the affected region or part of your body
- Muscle tone and muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
The chiropractor may perform additional tests on the affected region. The patient may be asked to move in a specific way or perform a specific exercise, for example.
After conducting tests, the chiropractor may perform a posture analysis or gait analysis. Or, the chiropractor may perform chiropractic manipulation on the affected body part to determine if symptoms are improved.
Further Diagnostic Studies
Depending on the results from the first two steps of the examination, the chiropractor may recommend further diagnostic studies and tests. These tests can identify structural abnormalities and other pathologies that allow the chiropractor to more accurately diagnose a condition.
The most common tests that may be used by chiropractors include:
- X-ray exam
- MRI
- Other lab tests
It’s important to note that these tests aren’t necessarily standard in every chiropractic exam. The tests should only be taken if the chiropractor has good reason to believe that the tests will yield actionable results or unique insight into the patient.
Many chiropractic clinics can perform basic X-rays. However, few if any chiropractic clinics can perform an MRI scan. Typically, this is performed off-site.
Chiropractic Diagnosis
At the end of the chiropractic exam, the chiropractor will gather all of the facts and evidence to perform a chiropractic diagnosis. Sometimes, a diagnosis can be performed the same day of the initial exam. In other cases, the chiropractor must wait days or weeks for lab tests to be completed.
Once the chiropractor has established the diagnosis, the chiropractor can determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care. Then, the chiropractor will construct an individualized treatment plan involving chiropractic treatments or other treatments.
Some patients will receive a book of papers explaining this information in detail. They’re encouraged to go home and do their own research to determine if it’s the right treatment plan for them.
Final Word: Chiropractic Consultations Vary Between Chiropractors
Above, we’ve descried a standard chiropractic consultation performed at clinics around the world.
Each chiropractor has his or her own unique process. This process varies between patients and clinics.
Neck pain, back pain, headaches, and other chronic issues rarely go away on their own. Consider scheduling a consultation with Renew Chiropractic in Denver, CO today to get to the root of your concerns.