Patient History and Symptoms Before the Exam
In preparation for the consultation, an individual will be asked to fill out forms or bring in the forms that is down loadable from our website that provide background information about the symptoms and condition. Types of questions the doctor of chiropractic might ask include:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is it located?
- Is it a result of an injury?
- What activities/circumstances makes it better?
- What activities/circumstances makes it worse?
Patients are also usually asked to provide information on family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments.
The Physical Exam
A thorough physical exam is done to determine which tissue (bone, joint, muscle or nerve) is generating your pain or tightness. This will also help determine the extent of the damage or dysfunction in that tissue.
The doctor will physically inspect the injured areas checking for muscle spasm, tenderness. He will then perform specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- Range of motion of the affected part
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
Further specialized chiropractic exam tests that are deemed necessary to assess the affected area will be done by the chiropractor. This may include checking the joints to make sure they are aligned and are moving correctly and a posture analysis.
Diagnostic Studies to Supplement the Exam
Based upon the results of the history and exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used by the chiropractor to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary. In fact the majority of patients we see are easily diagnosed and relieved of their pain and or dysfunction without ever needing them.
The most common diagnostic studies include:
- X-ray exam
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
- CT (Computerized Tomography) scan
Patient Diagnosis after the Exam
History, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor will determine the specific treatments that your condition will respond to best. He will then lay out an individualized treatment plan for you. (He will tell you what is wrong and how he is going to fix it).
In an effort to provide our patients with fast relief, we try to treat you the same day as your exam If possible (sometimes we must wait for the results of imaging studies etc. before getting started).
Because everyone is different and responds at different rates, the doctor will see how quickly you respond to your first treatment before determining the length of care. He will usually go over this with you on the second visit. If by chance you have a condition that would be better treated by another specialist or facility we will also provide you with the appropriate referral.
