If you are considering getting a spinal adjustment for the first time, your first visit to the chiropractor will be very much like visiting any other healthcare provider. A typical visit will include the initial patient intake, physical exam, treatment if no red flags are present, and follow-up plan. Here’s what you can expect at your first chiropractic appointment.
Patient Intake
You will fill out a health questionnaire at the beginning of your appointment. The questionnaire will help assess your current health condition, medical history, and any isolated or chronic injuries. Dr. Medina will ask about your profession and any physical activities that exacerbate pain and discomfort. The patient intake is a great time to communicate your pain history and health goals.
The Physical Exam
During the physical exam, Dr. Medina will assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. The chiropractor will pay especially close attention to the neck, spine areas, and extremities. From there, Dr. Medina will examine any specific areas of discomfort in the body.
Your First Adjustment and Treatment
After the first consultation and exam, your chiropractor will determine if you can benefit from receiving a spinal adjustment and other chiropractic treatments. Your first adjustment will take place on a comfortable padded table made specifically for chiropractic care. Adjustments may be performed while you are face down, on your side, sitting upright, or lying on your back. Dr. Medina can also use other treatments such as myofascial release, rehabilitative exercise, and lifestyle modifications to help the health of his patients.
Creating a Treatment Plan
It is not uncommon for your chiropractor to recommend multiple sessions depending on need and condition. If you have chronic pain, a high level of discomfort, or bear multiple issues at once, you will likely need ongoing care. This can mean regular weekly sessions, reduced to monthly, with the ultimate goal of ongoing care only as needed. Your chiropractor will take into consideration your overall health, physical condition, and goals to create a treatment plan.
