The thought of seeing a chiropractor might seem daunting, but about 35 million Americans do so every year.
If you’re in pain and think a chiropractor could be the solution, you may not want to wait around. They can help treat a range of issues and might be able to get you back into a good state in no time. If you’ve been injured and are going to make your first visit, there’s a good chance you’ll be a bit apprehensive.
In this guide, we’ll go over what you’re likely to experience during your first visit to a personal injury chiropractor in Henderson, NV. Keep reading for more.
The Chiropractor Will Talk to You About Your Medical History
For the first part of your chiropractic consultation process, you’ll need to discuss your medical history. Your chiropractor will want a clear idea of your health history as it could impact the treatment they’re able to offer you.
They’ll ask about things like past injuries or any current symptoms. Make sure you’re prepared to answer these questions, as well as any questions about the accident you’ve had. This will include how it happened, what sort of pain you’re currently experiencing, when it happened, etc.
It’s important to be as detailed as possible here. This will help your chiropractor better understand the issue so they can develop the most suitable treatment plan. In some cases, you may also be asked some questions about your family medical history.
You’ll Have a Physical Examination
The next part of your personal injury chiropractor visit will involve a physical examination. Through this, they’ll be able to get a better understanding of the cause of your injuries as well as how severe they are.
The chiropractor will likely feel areas around the injury for tenderness and pain. They’ll also probably test your range of motion, neurological integrity, muscle tone, and muscle strength.
A thorough chiropractic exam will include tests for things like reflexes, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration. Expect them to ask you to move in specific manners so they can assess your posture and look for any issues with your mobility.
There May Be Diagnostic Studies
Depending on the initial examination and your medical history, your chiropractor may want to carry out diagnostic studies. These can help reveal pathologies and identify structural abnormalities. These may provide a more accurate diagnosis of the injury.
X-rays are a common choice here, but they’re not always necessary. They’re usually used to diagnose a recent trauma or spondyloarthritis. They can also be used to examine a spinal deformity that could progress (such as scoliosis).
A reliable chiropractor will only suggest an X-ray if they have reason to think it’s necessary and will provide important information that will guide your treatment program. X-rays expose patients to ionizing radiation, so their use is typically limited.
It’s worth noting that an X-ray is only useful for examining bones. It’s not effective when observing soft tissue, so an MRI is better suited here. For something like this, you’ll typically need to be referred to an external center as chiropractic clinics typically only perform basic X-rays.
Diagnosis After Your Exam
After your examination, your chiropractor will offer a diagnosis and discuss your treatment plan with you. Everyone’s case is different, so even if the injury is similar to someone else, you’ll likely need different treatment plans.
Your chiropractor will develop a personalized plan based on the examination and your medical history. It may involve ongoing chiropractic care and could also include other treatments like electric stimulation or physical therapy.
They’ll also discuss future appointments with you. This will consist of how frequently you should come in for appointments and how long they expect the whole treatment process to last.
The thought of having to keep coming back for further treatments doesn’t appeal to anyone, but it may be necessary. Depending on your injury, it might be something that simply won’t get better on its own. More treatments as time goes by could well be the best option for you to make a solid recovery.
First-Time Chiropractor Tips
Those who have had chiropractic treatment before should already know what to expect. For those who are making their first visit, there are some things to bear in mind.
What to Bring to a Chiropractor Visit
In most cases, you won’t need to bring anything specific for your chiropractic injury treatment. However, you may want to make sure you’re dressed comfortably.
Loose-fitting clothes are ideal as they’ll make it easier for your chiropractor to examine you properly. They’re also more suitable for things like X-rays.
If you have work on the same day as your appointment, you may want to pack a change of clothes. An exam could crease or wrinkle what you’re wearing, which you might want to avoid with work clothes. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing a dress or skirt to ensure the whole experience is more comfortable.
What Questions to Ask
Your chiropractor will have plenty of questions for you, but there are also some you might want to ask them. If you think of some before your appointment, you should note them down so you don’t forget.
You may want to start by asking about a chiropractor’s area of focus. If you have a neck injury, for example, you should try to find a chiropractor that specializes in this.
You can also ask if insurance will cover your examination, treatment, or any diagnostic studies that you need. This will help you plan things out financially.
Another key thing to ask about is a chiropractor’s experience. A professional that’s been practicing for years is likely to provide better results, so this could affect your choice.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Chiropractor for You
If you’ve been in an accident, a personal injury chiropractor might be able to help you recover and get back to living your normal life. Being prepared for your first visit will help the whole experience go more smoothly.
Anthem Chiropractic has been providing professional chiropractic services in Henderson, NV, for more than 25 years. Take a look at our services page to learn more about how we can help you.