What to expect at the first chiropractic consultation

The first visit to a chiropractor

Good chiropractors do everything in their power to help relieve their patient’s back pain or sciatica as fast as possible with as few treatments as necessary, and also give advice on how to avoid future episodes of back pain. Here’s some of what to expect at the first chiropractic visit, during which the chiropractor will complete a thorough consultation lasting 45 minutes or more:

• Full patient history

• Chiropractic physical examination

• Diagnostic studies (when indicated)

• Diagnosis

• Chiropractic treatment plan

Full patient history

In preparation for consultation with the chiropractor, an individual will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about the symptoms and condition. Types of questions the chiropractor might ask include:

• When and how did the pain start?

• Where is it located?

• Is it a result of an injury?

• What activities/circumstances makes it better?

• What activities/circumstances makes it worse?

Patients are also usually asked to provide information on family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments.

Chiropractic physical examination

A thorough chiropractic examination includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

• Range of motion of the affected part

• Muscle tone

• Muscle strength

• Neurological integrity

Further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess the affected area (such as having the individual move in a specific manner, posture analysis, or chiropractic manipulation of the affected body part).

Diagnostic studies

Based upon the results of the history and chiropractic examination, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary.

The most common diagnostic studies used by chiropractors include:

• X-ray exam

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan

• Other laboratory tests

Many chiropractic offices can perform basic X-rays, but an MRI scan and more extensive imaging studies may be referred to an outside center.

Chiropractic diagnosis

History, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.

The chiropractor will explain a patient’s:

• Diagnosed condition

• Individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)

• Anticipated length of chiropractic care

By: Peter J. Schubbe, DC
May 22, 2000 (updated August 2, 2007)