When You Seek Chiropractic Care…
When you visit a chiropractor, you should get relief for your symptoms with as few treatments as necessary. A chiropractor who wants to see you for months on end may be looking to get as much money as possible from your condition. A good chiropractor will work fast and offer advice on how to avoid problems in the future. There are several things you can expect when you visit the chiropractor.
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Patient history
The chiropractor will start by getting a complete medical history before the actual exam. This includes asking questions about how the pain started, the location, cause and actions or activities that make the pain worse. You will also have to give information of any pre-existing medical conditions, prior injuries, any treatments you have received and your family medical history.
The exam
The chiropractic exam involves carrying out general tests like pulse, blood pressure, reflexes, respiration and other specific neurological and orthopedic tests that will help to assess your condition. The doctor tries to assess the range of motion in the affected area, the muscle strength and tone and the neurological integrity. Other tests may include posture analysis and manipulation of the body part that is affected.
Diagnosis
Based upon the results of the exam and the medical history, the chiropractor will carry out diagnostic studies to come up with the right diagnosis. At this stage, a good chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic treatment. The doctor will explain the situation to the patient and come up with the best treatment plan. The doctor comes up with individualized chiropractic care for each patient and also gives an anticipated time for the treatment.
Treatment
A number of chiropractors start the treatment during the first visit, but some schedule it to the next appointment. Some of the treatment plans include joint adjustments, using ultrasound and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improving healing of the soft tissue. The doctor teaches the patient about the benefits of improved posture and improving motor control. Other types of treatment include heat and cold applications and massage.
The chiropractor has to establish specific goals for each patient. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment for everyone. Two people who have the same condition will not necessarily get the same treatment. There are short-term and long-term goals for the treatment and the chiropractor needs to re-evaluate the patient after the treatment in order to measure the response and determine if the treatment is working.