Your First Parker Chiropractor Visit
During the first check out, the Parker Physician
of Chiropracticâ??commonly referred to as a chiropractorâ??will complete a thorough
examination that typically includes:
â?¢ Client history â?¢ Physical examination â?¢ Diagnostic studies -
when indicated â?¢ Diagnosis â?¢ Chiropractic plan for treatment
Patient Background
Prior to your initial assessment, you will be asked to fill out
forms that provide background information about your symptoms and condition.
Questions may include:
â?¢ When did your pain/condition start?
â?¢ Where is the pain situated?
â?¢ Did pain/condition immediately follow an injury or accident?
â?¢ Is anything improves or worsens the pain?
â?¢ What treatments have you already tried, and how successful were
they?
You may also be asked to provide family medical history, any
pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current
health providers and therapies.
To properly identify your problem and layout a treatment program,
your doctor of chiropractic needs to know about any of the following:
â?¢ Bone ailments such as osteoporosis
â?¢ Implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, cosmetic implants,
etc.
â?¢ Circulatory problems
â?¢ Dizziness or blurred vision
â?¢ Heart conditions such as hypertension
â?¢ Nausea
â?¢ Injuries, such as bone fractures, muscle sprains/strains, or
disc injuries
â?¢ Joint problems such as arthritis
â?¢ Any current health condition for which you are receiving care
from another health care practitioner
When applicable, bring with you any copies of previous tests (for
example, MRI or X-ray reports), lab results, and a list of any medicines you
are taking, including over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements,
vitamins, herbs, teas, and natural and/or naturopathic substances.
Chiropractic Physical Examination
The next step is a physical examination your chiropractor will
perform to evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. In addition
to general physical examination procedures such as blood pressure, pulse,
respiration, and temperature, the examination will include specific orthopedic
and neurological tests to assess:
â?¢ Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you
walk, turn, bend, or lift
â?¢ Muscle tone
â?¢ Muscle strength
â?¢ Neurological integrity
â?¢ Posture
Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic studies help diagnose conditions more accurately. The
most common used by chiropractors include:
â?¢ X-ray
â?¢ MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT, or bone scan
â?¢ Laboratory tests
Many chiropractic offices have their own X-ray equipment, but an
MRI scan and more extensive tests may be referred to an outside center.
Diagnosis
A combination of the history, examination, and diagnostic studies
will allow your chiropractor to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help the
doctor of chiropractic see whether your condition or pain may respond to
chiropractic care.
The chiropractor will explain:
â?¢ The diagnosed condition
â?¢ The chiropractic treatment plan (or other recommended remedies)
â?¢ The anticipated length of care
If your chiropractor determines that your condition would be more
appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make
the proper referral.
Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other
health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical
therapist, or a neurologist. In many cases, such as those involving lowerback
pain, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical
conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment
by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.
Treatment
If you and your doctor of chiropractic agree that chiropractic
will help, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment. While patients
are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, the chiropractor most
often uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly
the spine, to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function. Your doctor of
chiropractic will adapt the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other
treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation,
ice and heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative workouts, may
also be used.
The extent and duration of the patientâ??s problems coupled with the
hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment may require numerous visits. Your
doctor of chiropractic should tell you how long you can expect the treatment to
last.
You may also receive instructions on certain activities or
procedures to conduct at home. This may include ice or heat application,
avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or
stretches.
There are thousands of good chiropractors available that use
sound, well-documented procedures. Choose a chiropractor you are comfortable
with, who addresses your health concerns, and who uses sound principles of
modern health.
When Should I Feel Better?
Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic
treatment, but it may take others 2 to 3 weeks before they achieve substantial
progress. Many factors can affect the process of healing. Are you suffering
from a chronic problem or pain? Do you smoke? Are you following the recommended
treatment plan? Usually, the more fully patients carry out the doctorâ??s
recommendations, the better the results.
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