Chiropractic Treatments

When seeking a chiropractic physician, it’s important to know not only how beneficial chiropractic treatments can be, but also what to expect at your first visit and all other visits that may follow. Most people are aware that the general concept of chiropractic care is to re-establish and maintain spinal health and mobility but chiropractic care is also indicated to help a patient maintain range of motion and to reduce general body aches and pains related to various complaints and concerns.

First Visit

At your first chiropractic visit, also known as a consultation, the physician will take a thorough history, documenting past and present health issues, conduct a complete physical examination, perform any necessary labs and diagnostic imaging, and diagnosis the patient’s specific health problem. During this initial visit, a chiropractor will also determine if chiropractic care is contraindicated and inappropriate for the specific health problem diagnosed. They will refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider if chiropractic care is not appropriate. If indicated and appropriate, a chiropractor will proceed with the patient and offer spinal manipulation, rehabilitation therapy, nutritional counseling and supplements, soft tissue work, and stimulation therapies such as heat and/or ice. A chiropractic treatment plan will be made according to the patient’s health issues, for example, if the patient is experiencing acute pain or chronic pain the treatment plan will vary in therapies offered and duration of the visits. There are minimal side effects reported with chiropractic care and, if indicated and appropriate, it is a safe way to treat neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as great preventative medicine for the entire body.

References Cited in this Article

www.nccam.nih.gov

www.acatoday.org

www.spine-health.com