What to Expect at Your First Consultation from a Chiropractor in Charlotte, NC

For many people, the decision to see a chiropractor can be difficult. It’s often intimidating to see a new doctor of any type, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the treatment provided. Despite the intimidation factor, once patients finally take the step to see a chiropractor, it often becomes a welcome and enjoyed part of their monthly or even weekly routine.

Although every chiropractor in Charlotte, NC is different, and each has his or her own unique techniques for treating patients, there are some standard practices that tend to occur at nearly every consultation and diagnosis with a chiropractor.

History and Symptoms

As with most other types of doctors, a chiropractor in Charlotte, NC is going to begin any consultation with a comprehensive review of your medical history and any symptoms that you may be experiencing. Questions about your specific symptoms and pain are fairly typical, and may ask you when your pain started, or if you experienced an injury. This information can help your chiropractor asses your specific needs, and the doctor may be able to determine when and how a back injury occurred, even if you are unaware of the exact point you experienced an injury resulting in back pain.

Other information gathered during this time will likely include your family health history and any other treatments or medications you may be using at the time of your chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractic Exam

The chiropractic exam is vital to your consultation with a chiropractor. Most doctors are very thorough with their exams, and will include blood pressure, respiration and reflexes. Exams may also include particular neurological and orthopedic tests. These tests can determine a variety of information useful in the chiropractic treatment process, including your muscle tone and strength, your range of motion and you neurological integrity.

In addition to these tests, depending on the practitioner and your specific needs, further tests may be needed such as a chiropractic manipulation of the affected area.

Diagnostic Studies

Various diagnostic techniques are often utilized by many chiropractors, in addition to the exam. These techniques include X-rays, MRIs and other lab-based tests. Although these are sometimes used, they are not always necessary. It may be that your practitioner feels that you don’t need this level of testing, and some chiropractors don’t perform these tests at all. If you visit a chiropractor that does feel you need these tests, but he or she doesn’t offer them within their office, they may refer you to an outside location to have the tests completed.

The Diagnosis

After completing a comprehensive exam, a chiropractor in Charlotte, NC will then create a patient-specific diagnosis. The doctor will also inform the patient if chiropractic treatment will be appropriate for the patient’s particular diagnosis. If the doctor feels the patient’s condition will benefit from chiropractic treatment, it’s at this point that the doctor will explain a treatment plan specifically designed for the patient. At this time, the doctor will likely explain the anticipated amount of treatment time required.