By DR Passig

Your first visit to a chiropractor is similar to that of seeing your doctor. Your health history will be obtained followed by a physical examination. Emphasis, though, is given to your spine. Other diagnostic examinations may be requested, if necessary, like laboratory tests and x-rays. If the results of your health history, physical and lab exams require the need for chiropractic management, the chiropractor will develop a treatment scheme exclusively for you.

Follow-up visits may consist of more than one adjustment or manual therapies that are deemed necessary in your situation. The chiropractic manipulation is rendered to your spine. It may use the hands or a device to apply an abrupt forceful push to a specific joint. The purpose of giving the adjustments is to eliminate any soreness and increase your range of motion to reinstate your health. Another therapy that is also used by chiropractors is known as joint mobilization.

Other mode of treatments that the chiropractor use in combination with manual techniques and spinal manipulation are:

1. Cold and hot therapy

2. Electric stimulus

3. Relaxation methods

4. Common and corrective exercises

5. Nutrition including dietary supplements, weight loss and other lifestyle counseling

Before setting an appointment to a chiropractor, do the following:

• Verify the chiropractor’s educational background and licensure. You can do this by calling his office and get some information from his secretary. You can also visit the clinic to check the certificates posted on his wall. You can also get information from his patients. If the chiropractor was referred to you, then get some data from that person. You can also do some background checking by calling the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

• Verify his level of expertise to know if he obtained any specialized course or training with regards to your condition

• Inquire about direct expenses which may or may not be are reimbursed as well as insurance coverage. (Medicare, government workers’ compensation scheme, health maintenance companies, private health insurances covers chiropractic.)

Let your chiropractor know:

• Your previous medical conditions, if any

• The medications you are taking whether prescribed or over-the-counter as well as dietary supplements. When prescribed a dietary supplement, inquire about possible adverse effects with regards to your other medications

• Any complementary and alternative treatments that you have received. Give him a complete picture of how the treatment was given so he can ensure that proper coordination and safe care will be given to you.

Remember, once you have found the right chiropractor, you are just a few steps on your way to recovery.

Looking for a chiropractor? Please visit our office for chiropractor Minneapolis Google Map: chiropractor Minneapolis.