The first visit

Kay Pearce BSc(Hons), MSc, DC

The main aim of the first visit is to determine what is causing the patients pain and to give a diagnosis. This is done by first interviewing the patient and asking questions about the pain along with a general background of their medical history. Secondly a very thorough examination is done which includes the whole of the spine and relevant joints. Sometimes X-rays are necessary if the case history and the examination does not provide enough information.

When the chiropractor has made a diagnosis he or she then decides whether this condition is suitable for chiropractic treatment. If not, the patient is then usually referred back to the GP for further investigations or treatment. The chiropractor will always tell you if he or she can not help you.

When a case is deemed suitable for chiropractic treatment, the chiropractor makes a treatment plan. This plan will include the frequency and cost of treatment along with plans for advice such as exercises, ice or heat, postural changes, working environment etc.

The Report of Findings is where all this information is given to the patient. It is vital that the patient understands what is going wrong with their body and what we will do to correct it. The chiropractor will also explain how the patient can expect to respond.