Everything You Need to Know About Chiropractic Care and What to Expect at Your First Visit

Has a doctor recommended a visit to a chiropractor? It is essential to know what to expect so you can enjoy the visit even more. Chiropractors are also doctors, but they focus on holistic treatments and prefer drug-free approaches.
 

The first visit to a chiropractor will likely be an experience like no other because of the novel approaches they use to treat their patients.
 

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a medical discipline that focuses on bones, joints, and nervous system conditions. Chiropractors use swift and gentle thrusts to realign your bones and spine. These movements are called manipulations and adjustments. Manipulation usually focuses on the spine, while adjustments focus on other joints.
 

Chiropractors are trained also to evaluate your lifestyle to identify critical issues that need correction. Other techniques they may implement in treatment are nutrition advice and exercise therapy.
 

What to Do Before Your First Visit?

Some people prefer to have an interview with the chiropractor before their first visit. This helps them know the doctor better and prepare themselves mentally. You can ask about the chiropractor’s training and experience during an interview.
 

It is also essential to find out their guiding philosophy. During the interview, the doctor may suggest that you come dressed comfortably.
 

First Visit

Medical History

When you get to the clinic, you will first be given a questionnaire to fill out. This form asks critical questions about your medical history, helping the doctor know which evaluations to focus on. Your medical history can reveal factors that may be causing you the pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
 

Some of the questions you will fill out may include the following:
 

• Where do you feel the pain?
• How and when did you first experience the pain?
• Describe the nature of the pain; is it a dull ache, or is it sharp?
• Were you injured right before the pain began?
• Are there activities or situations that make the pain much worse?
• Do you have any preexisting conditions?
• Do you have any other ongoing treatments?

Chiropractic Examination

After filling out the form, the doctor will start a standard chiropractic exam. This exam includes tests like reflexes, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. They will also run several neurological and orthopedic exams.
 

These help the doctor evaluate muscle strength, tone, range of motion, and neurological integrity. The doctor may also ask you to move in different ways to assess the place where the pain is most impactful.
 

Diagnostic Evaluation

After the initial exams, the doctor will conduct a diagnostic evaluation, which will help the doctor reveal underlying pathologies and any structural abnormalities that may be causing the pain.
 

They may use an X-ray to examine your body and find the main issue, but sometimes, the two initial exams provide ample information. The doctor will only perform the X-ray if they believe the issue is bone-related.
 

Patient Diagnosis

The doctor will then combine all three results to develop a conclusive diagnosis. They will then determine if you are fit for chiropractic care or need a different specialist.
 

For more on chiropractic care, visit Colorado Injury & Wellness at our office in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Call (719) 471-4174 to schedule an appointment today.