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
