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History:
When you first enter a doctors office, you likely fill
out some "new patient" forms. These forms ask many questions pertaining
to your health and the health of family members. This information may
be used by the doctor during the consultation and also might direct an
examination to pertinent areas for chiropractic diagnostic purposes.
Furthermore, it is used to provide a reference point to your present
health and have a point of comparison for post treatment.
Consultation:
After completing the history forms, a consultation is
necessary which is simply discussion with the doctor. This helps to
determine if chiropractic may or may not be for you. It is an
opportunity to express your health concerns and expectations and ask the
chiropractor questions you may have pertaining to the matter. It is
also for the chiropractor to express his role in your health care and
discuss your health prognosis.
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Examination:
A chiropractic examination may include any of the following
components:
- Inspection - such as posture and gait
analysis as well as general appearance
- Palpation - that is, the doctor placing
hands on the patient to examine by touch
- Percussion - a diagnostic technique to
determine relative densities of underlying tissues
- Instrumentation - from nerve scopes to
blood pressure readings
- Ranges of motion - spinal and may
include extremities
- Orthopedic - usually only at the region
of complaint
- Neurological - muscle tests, reflex
testing, and skin sensation
- X-ray - to determine bone alignment and
condition.
- MRI - In certain circumstances, MRI's
are ordered to better evaluate the condition of the spine.
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A careful spinal examination will be performed to
determine any structural or functional abnormalities. This will be the primary
focus as spinal problems are often the root of the patients condition. All of
the above examinations need not be performed on every patient, as every patient
is different. Generally, the doctor need only inspect, perform palpation, range
of motion and x-ray. Information from other tests does not necessarily alter
the care plan, but rather, provides a reference point for determining the extent
of a persons health or lack of. This information may be valuable to do
comparative examinations in the future. |
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Adjustment:
A spinal adjustment involves the specific moving of a bone of
the axial skeleton to make a correction to the position and function of a
vertebral motor unit for the purpose of improving nerve impulses. Simply
put, this is what makes the patient better. There are many sophisticated
techniques used by chiropractors. Most chiropractors employ several
different techniques and are able to take care of anyone with a subluxation.
Sometimes there are "cracking noises" associated with the moving of a bone.
Other times, instruments are used to accomplish the same objective. There
are very low force techniques available for the osteoporotic and elderly.
Usually, adjustments do not hurt. Most patients find them very enjoyable
and look forward to getting adjusted. Sometimes there is a temporary
discomfort during and immediately following the correction. Other times,
there is minor muscle soreness the following day associated with the
correction. Sometimes good things, like exercise and adjustments, cause
muscle soreness. And like exercise, the amount of soreness is directly
related to the amount of change that has taken place.
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Headaches
Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Carpal Tunnel
Sport Injuries
Arthritis Pain |
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Neck Pain
Sciatica
Arm Pain/Numbness
Work Related Injuries
Auto Accident Injuries |
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