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What can you expect at an initial Chiropractic consultation?

Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a thorough history and examination to identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit.

History – This gives the Chiropractor a background about your health, so expect to be asked specific questions about your complaint and also about other details affecting your current health such as prior accidents or surgeries, and current medications. (It may be useful to prepare a list at home)
Bi-lateral weight scales – These give an idea of how much pressure you are putting through your right and left leg and if you are favouring one side.
Postural assessment gives us an idea of how symmetrical you are and any alignment issues such as a scoliosis that may be present from birth, or a dropped arch on your right foot that may be affecting your entire body.
Range of motion – how mobile is your spine? And which movements reproduce pain or stiffness.
Orthopaedic tests – these tests are designed to slowly stress various structures to find out what part reproduces your pain. These tests are useful when diagnosing the cause of the problem.
Muscle tests – these functional tests are used to work out which nerves are under pressure and also which muscles are inhibited.
Neurological tests – may include having your reflexes tested, your muscles tested, your skin checked for sharp/dull sensitivity, and many other tests if indicated for your presentation.
Motion Palpation- Chiropractors have a very finely tuned sense of touch, developed in their 5 years of training, which enables them to feel any miss-alignments and aberrant movement of the vertebrae and just about any other bone in the body. This assessment of motion or ‘motion palpation’ often feels a little like a massage, as individual vertebrae are gently moved and the degree of movement and end feel is noted. The purpose of this test is to detect abnormal function in the spine, which can't be seen on X-ray. Abnormal spinal function can cause nervous system interference, which leads to your body malfunctioning. Your body can be malfunctioning for months, even years before you experience any symptoms. Often the problem has been present long before the symptoms become apparent. Therefore it is important to be able to monitor the function of your entire nervous system in a holistic and preventative way that doesn't focus only on pain, but focuses more on improving function.
X-rays may be ordered to uncover structural and functioning problems associated with the spinal column.
Computerised EMG Subluxation station – this may be used to help educate and give an idea of where the pressure is on your nervous system.
EMG Scan - EMG stands for electromyography. This computerized scanning technology measures the electrical current in the muscles either side of your spine. Nerves control these muscles. Subluxations (spinal misalignments) disturb the function of nerves and can cause abnormal muscle activity. The EMG scan generates an image of your spine and demonstrates any problem areas.

It will not hurt. The EMG scan doesn't utilize any needles, electrical shock, or heat. It fact, it only receives information from your central nervous system. This advanced technology allows you to actually see how your spine is functioning and then lets you see the changes that your chiropractic care is having on your spine, nervous system and overall health.

Once the History and Exam are complete, your doctor will explain his/her findings and describe your working diagnosis. Most patients receive treatment on their first visit. Some patients may require X-rays or other diagnostic studies before treatment can begin. Occasionally, a patient's problem is best treated by another specialist, and a referral will be made. Between your initial examination and your second visit your Chiropractor will collaborate all the collected information, and put together a thorough treatment plan involving a schedule of chiropractic adjustments. X-ray findings will be reviewed, an estimate of treatment frequency and duration will be explained, and you will have time to ask questions.

Your doctor will explain your responsibilities in the healing process. These may include home exercises or use of ice or heat, ergonomic changes or modification to certain activities until your healing process is well underway. Progress is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up reports.

Since the word "doctor" comes from the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless of your chiropractic doctor's unique clinical approach, he or she has a strong commitment to patient education.