Your First Chiropractic Visit

Chiropractor Consultation

Your first visit is especially important. At this stage, the focus of the consultation is for you to give us a detailed account of history of events pertaining to your presenting complaint. You will then be asked specific questions regarding this complaint and any other health related issues including a review of your autonomic nervous system, such as your digestion, immune function, sleep and energy levels. These questions about you, your presenting complaint and your overall health are vital in helping us to determine the health of your nervous system.

Physical Examination

The second stage of your first visit involves the physical examination. This is a very thorough procedure that includes orthopaedic tests, neurological exam and specific chiropractic tests allowing us to examine the spine fully. Some of the exam may feel irrelevant to your complaint, but there are many disorders that can mimic back and neck pain and need to be ruled out. In order to conduct the examination thoroughly, you will be asked to undress down to your underwear and redress in an open back gown, allowing us to visualise the back, neck, leg or arm, whilst retaining your dignity.

The exam itself may result in some of the tests provoking your complaint as they help indicate the source of your problem. Any discomfort felt is usually felt for a very short period; in fact, many report feeling some relief immediately after their examination.

Depending upon your presenting complaint, history of events, general health and exam findings, it may be necessary to take x-rays. X-rays help give us vital visual information about the condition of your spine and allow us to rule out more serious problems such as fracture, infection, inflammatory disorders and tumours.

Once examination is complete and the Chiropractor is satisfied that they have enough information, you will be asked to get dressed again and make an appointment for your Report of Findings.

Report of Findings

It is at the report stage that we tell you exactly what is causing your problems and how we can help you. That may include some gentle spinal manipulation, muscle massage or soft tissue therapies. After any treatment, we advise patients about any activities that should be minimised and the amount of rest to be taken.

We also make recommendations and suggestions on home exercises and stretching techniques as well as whether ice of heat application should be used. In addition, we will talk about whether certain activities or positions should be avoided.

Treatment Plan

Finally, a treatment plan will be established, identifying the likely timeframe over which further treatment will be provided and the frequency of visits recommended in your particular case.

 

Read more about back pain and chiropractic care:

Read testimonials from Chiropractic patients

Chiropractic Care

The Benefits of treatment by a Chiropractor

Book a consultation to see a Chiropractor

Ridgeway Chiropractic Clinic in Wroughton, near Swindon