During your first few visits at our clinic, the doctor will complete a thorough examination that will include:

Patient History (click here)
We will need to know:

  • Where is the pain located?
  • Did pain/condition immediately follow an injury or accident?
  • Is anything improves or worsens the pain?
  • What treatments have you already tried, and how successful were they?

To properly diagnose your problem and design a treatment program, we will need to know about any of the following:

  • Bone disorders such as osteoporosis
  • Implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, cosmetic implants, etc.
  • Circulatory problems
  • Dizziness or blurred vision
  • Heart conditions such as hypertension
  • Nausea
  • Injuries such as bone fractures, muscle sprains/strains, or disc injuries
  • Joint disorders such as arthritis
  • Any current health condition for which you are receiving care from another health care practitioner

When applicable, bring with you any copies of previous tests (for example, MRI or X-ray reports), lab results, and a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs, teas, and homeopathic and/or naturopathic substances. You should share with us your family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous & current health providers (and any treatments).

Physical Exam (click here)
The next step is a physical examination performed by one of our doctors to evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. In addition to general physical examination procedures such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature, the examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

  • Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you walk, turn, bend, or lift
  • Muscle tone
  • Muscle strength
  • Neurological integrity
  • Posture
Diagnostic Testing (click here)
Diagnostic studies help diagnose conditions more accurately. The ones we will most likely perform include:

  • X-ray (Partial Spine)
  • X-ray (Complete Spine)
  • Vitals (i.e. Blood Pressure, Pulse, Respiration, Temperature)
  • Range-of-Motion/Muscle Strength
  • and any other tests that the doctor deems medically necessary

However, if needed, the doctors will refer/recommend you to another diagnostic facility to obtain more detailed diagnostic testing evaluations/findings.

The Diagnosis (click here)
The combination of your history, examination, and diagnostic studies will allow the doctor(s) to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help them determine whether your condition or pain may respond to chiropractic care. The doctor will explain the following:

  • the Diagnosed Condition
  • a Recommended Chiropractic Treatment Plan (or other recommended treatments)
  • the Anticipated Length of Care

If the doctor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, then they will make the proper referral. Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist. In many cases, such as those involving lower-back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical conditions do exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.

Treatment (click here)
Once the doctor deems treatment necessary, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment. While patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, the chiropractor most often uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function. Your doctor will adapt the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, ACCUScope, electrical muscle stimulation (E-Stim/TENS), ice and heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises, may also be used.

The extent and duration of the each patient’s specific problem(s) coupled with the hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment may require numerous visits. However, we will tell you how long you can expect the treatment to last. You will also receive instructions on certain activities or procedures to conduct at home/work. This may include ice or heat application, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretches.