A Typical First Visit
What happens during the first visit to a chiropractor?Your first visit will last about an hour. The chiropractor takes a complete health history, including information on lifestyle; diet; sleep habits; exercise; mental stresses; and use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco and other subtle and often overlooked daily choices that, by virtue of constant exposure over time, weaken us and create disease. Certainly we discuss the obvious, such as past injuries and illnesses; current conditions and medications; but all of us should know by now it’s the consistent little things that tend to make a world of difference. Like a drop of water that eventually cuts through stone, if ignored, something consistent can cause dramatic structural change.After a thorough history, we will evaluate where structural issues (cause) exist, and the extent of the corresponding functional compromise (symptoms). This will allow us to treat the cause of the symptoms, not simply mask them. Causes can be evaluated and seen through X-ray, MRI and CT-scans. Symptoms can be evaluated by additional testing to see if the nerve is functioning properly via reflexes, muscle testing, orthopedic testing and other system and organ evaluations, like blood pressure and pulse testing. Based on the history, chiropractic attempts to readily identify whether the patient would benefit from care. Sometimes patients can wait such a long time to seek treatment from any doctor, that the structural changes become too involved and crisis care is the only option left. Crisis care may involve surgery and/or long-term medication. These cases include patients with bone fractures or tumors, advanced arthritis, bone or joint infections, uncontrolled osteoporosis, and specific blood vessel disease. Once determined, the would chiropractor refer you to another specialist as the structural change has begun to adversely affect other areas of your body. A chiropractic patient has to be up-front and honest and not be afraid to discuss all physical disabilities they have, or disclose symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness, or other neurological problems. A healing partnership requires honesty, so we can customize care for your unique body needs. After the first visit, you can expect to know what is the cause of the symptoms, what exactly we are going to do for you, and most importantly, what you are going to do to help yourself. |
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