REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Many new patients are not sure what to expect during their first appointment with a doctor of chiropractic (DC). Chiropractors start by asking patients questions to gather information about their present condition and health history and then performing a physical examination to develop a working diagnosis. Imaging or lab tests (such as MRI, CT scan or X-ray) may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
The combination of the history, exam and diagnostic studies will enable your doctor of chiropractic to reach a diagnosis, which will in turn help us determine whether chiropractic services are appropriate for your condition. If your doctor determines you would be more appropriately managed or co-managed by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral.

Through a process of shared decision-making, you and your doctor will determine if chiropractic services are right for you. As part of this process, the doctor will explain your condition, recommend a treatment plan and review the risks and benefits of all procedures.

Based on the extent, timing or severity of a patient’s condition, chiropractic interventions may require several visits. Patients may also receive advice on home care, lifestyle modifications, exercise instruction and nutrition.

During Your Visit: Medical History

First visits often last about an hour. We will ask about your medical history and about your symptoms. Tell us about:

• Why you want help
• Past injuries
• All your medical conditions
• Any medications you take
• Any use of drugs or alcohol
• Your lifestyle habits including exercise, diet, stress and sleep

Physical Exam

After taking your history, we will do a physical examination. Your assigned chiropractor may feel your spine, move your joints and watch the way you walk. He or she will also test your muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion. In some cases, we might order X-rays or a blood pressure check.

Treatment

Our chiropractor might start treatment at your first visit. If that’s the case, this is what may happen:

• You will lie on a special treatment table for an adjustment.
• The chiropractor will take the part of your body being treated—usually your neck or back—and move it to its maximum range.
• The chiropractor will give an extra thrust to make the adjustment.
• You might hear a popping sound, like the sound of cracking your knuckles.
• You should not expect to feel pain during an adjustment.
• Your chiropractor might give other treatment along with an adjustment. This could include heat or ice and a muscle massage.

After Treatment

Before you leave, our chiropractor might give you exercises to do at home. Chiropractors also have training to help you with diet and nutrition. They do not prescribe drugs. But you might get diet advice, and your chiropractor might also recommend diet supplements or vitamins for you.

Finally, you can expect to be scheduled for a follow-up visit. Most of our chiropractic treatments last for several weeks. We may recommend you return for 2 or 3 visits a week. Follow-up visits often are shorter than your first visit, lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Ask your chiropractor how long your treatments will last and when you should start to feel better.

After a treatment, you might have some soreness in the area your chiropractor adjusted. Let us know immediately if you have pain that continues or gets worse.