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Documenting a complete patient’s history helps the chiropractor to identify the areas of complaint. Questions about family history, dietary habits, past history of other treatments, occupational history, psychosocial history, and other areas will be asked by the chiropractor to help determine the nature of the illness. Following the chiropractic consultation and case history, a physical examination that may include laboratory analysis and x-ray examination will be performed in accordance with the chiropractor’s clinical judgment. There are many different methods that a chiropractor may use for; determining the spinal segments that require manipulation. Most commonly, static and motion palpation techniques are utilized for identifying spinal segments that are hypomobile or fixated. Another method of locating subluxations is the use of x-ray, where segments classified by the Houston Conference Classification are identified and treated with manipulation. Some chiropractors utilize a device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation. Many chiropractors utilize a wholistic, biomechanical concept of treating the bipedal structure in its entirety, in an attempt to balance the structure from the feet upward. Identifying weak links in the kinetic chain, sometimes quite distant from the area of complaint, the chiropractor treats the given area. This chiropractic process may include both articular manipulation as well as muscular balancing through strengthening of under-active muscles and/or inhibiting over-active muscles to acquire a balanced structure. The chiropractor might also stabilize the pelvis by placing a small heel lift in the shoe on the short leg side (which is determined radiographically). Pelvic stability can also be achieved by the use of corrective; arch supports prescribed by the chiropractor. This chiropractic treatment is typically used when ankle pronation, pes planus (flat feet), and/or subtalar instability are present. Combinations of any of these chiropractic treatment approaches along with exercises that strengthen the weak, underactive muscles of the trunk and pelvis and stretch the tight, overactive muscles usually results in a more beneficial, long term result. Treatment Plan Most chiropractors begin treatment during the patient's first visit, although some may wait until the next appointment. Chiropractic treatment recommendations may include some or all of the following: * Adjustments to key joint dysfunctions * Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction * Exercises to improve muscles balance, strength, and coordination * Patient education to improve posture and motor control * Other treatments such as massage, heat/cold application, and education on nutrition Importantly, at this point the chiropractor will establish specific goals for a patient’s individual chiropractic treatment plan: * Short-term goals include reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balance * Long-term goals include restoring functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living To reach these goals, the chiropractor will prescribe a specific number of chiropractic visits, such as 1 to 3 chiropractic visits/week for 2 to 4 weeks, followed by a re-examination by the chiropractor. At the re-evaluation, the chiropractor will measure the response to treatment and determine whether to: * Continue chiropractic treatment if appropriate * Release the patient from chiropractic care if treatment goals have been met * Refer the patient to another health care specialist if treatment goals have not been fulfilled Chiropractic manipulation is a recognized and popular pain relief treatment, with an estimated 250,000 chiropractic visits each year. Knowing what to expect from the first chiropractic visit can help an individual receive the maximal benefit from chiropractic treatment. Because chiropractic is a profession with an unusually large variety of practice philosophies and techniques, individuals should feel comfortable asking all the questions necessary to understand the chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and treatment program. Chiropractic Physical Examination. A thorough chiropractic examination includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess: * Range of motion of the affected part * Muscle tone * Muscle strength * Neurological integrity Further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess the affected area (such as having the individual move in a specific manner, posture analysis, or chiropractic manipulation of the affected body part). Diagnostic Studies. Based upon the results of the history and chiropractic examination, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary. The most common diagnostic studies used by chiropractors include: * X-ray exam * MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan * Other laboratory tests Many chiropractic offices can perform basic X-rays, but an MRI scan and more extensive imaging studies may be referred to an outside center. Chiropractic Diagnosis. History, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care. The chiropractor will explain a patient’s: * Diagnosed condition * Individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments) * Anticipated length of chiropractic car |
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Advanced Chiropractic Care Of South Florida |
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Chiropractic Physician |
561-432-1399 |
