It's important to know what goes on in the chiropractor's office.
They get joked about because they're not "real" doctors, but that does not stop thousands of people from going to chiropractors every year. Too often we have heard of real relief coming from inside the offices of chiropractors to give much thought as to whether they are certified medical practitioners or not. What is important is results. Still, it is a good idea to know what you're getting into before you make an appointment. After all, it is your spine we're talking about. It's important to know what goes on in the chiropractor's office.
The Chiropractic Experience
Like other health care providers, the visit to a chiropractor bears some similarities and it also has some unique differences. The office, the waiting room and the intake procedures will no doubt be familiar, but the chiropractic treatment table will be different from the one you see at the doctor's office. The table is formed the way it is to allow for elaborate positioning and movements necessary in making spinal adjustments. Otherwise, your experience will be similar to that of visiting the doctor. A typical visit will include an initial intake procedure, a physical examination, treatment and finally, a follow-up plan.
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The Intake
Like any other standard medical intake procedure you have experienced, the chiropractic visit will be very similar. There will be a health questionnaire for you to complete, which includes questions about your health history. In addition, there will be a section where you will indicate for the chiropractor where you are experiencing pain or discomfort. This will be done my marking areas inside a sketch of the human body.
The Physical Exam
Typically, the chiropractor will begin by giving you a routine examination followed by a more thorough examination focused on the spine and the particular areas you have identified are causing you discomfort. Your entire spine will be examined regardless of where you are experiencing pain. This is necessary since adaptations due to an injury or subluxation can result in secondary areas of pain elsewhere along the spine. He will also X-ray your spine before initiating any treatment. This will allow him to analyze the condition of your bony anatomy structure as well as the soft tissues that run alongside. This will also allow him to view the level of wear and any anomalies that exist within your spine as well as other factors that go toward helping him develop an appropriate treatment plan for your back. You will be expected to perform a variety of motion tests, palpation and reflex tests as well as tests that help to analyze your muscle strength. Finally, there will be orthopedic and neurological tests designed to discover the original reason for your initial areas of discomfort.
The Treatment Plan
Once the examination is completed, the chiropractor will put together a treatment plan that will consider the following: The extent of your injury or discomfort; your overall health; your spine's condition according to your age and any previous injuries; and what goals you have requiring good back health.
Some people only want relief from pain and/or discomfort while others have in mind a complete regimen including ongoing care that will improve their overall condition and health. Consult with your chiropractor what your goals are and what you can expect in terms of treatment and improvement.
Typical Treatment
"Adjustments" are made to your back during treatment. The chiropractor will use therapeutic manipulation accomplished through controlled force, direction and leverage as well as amplitude and velocity on specific joints. Though the spine is the central location for most adjustments, the chiropractor may adjust other joints, such as the knee or ankle, shoulder or wrist so that he can restore structural alignment to your frame or improve the functions of your joints. Generally a series of adjustments will be performed to alleviate back or neck pain. These adjustments might be over a period of days or weeks, but they will reduce the discomfort incrementally until you return to your regular state.
Non-manual applications of heat or ice generally follow adjustments and may also include orthotic supports in your shoes, counseling and diet advice, electrical stimulation and/or nutritional supplements.
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