Seeing a Chiropractor in Wilmington: 1st Consultation Expectations

When someone suffers from back or neck pain and they’ve scheduled their first ever appointment with a chiropractor, they are usually nervous prior to their appointment. After all, for most first-time chiropractic patients, the thought of someone manipulating their spine can be especially scary. But, the truth is, chiropractic treatments are completely safe and they don’t hurt. In fact, they tend to bring immediate relief to most problem areas. If you’re scheduled to see a chiropractor Wilmington NC for the first time, here’s what you can really expect to happen during your initial consultation.

Clinical Evaluation

Your chiropractor is a medical professional, just like any other physician you might see. Therefore, before a treatment plan can be developed, the chiropractor has to perform a thorough clinical exam. During this exam, you can expect the chiropractor to ask a series of questions regarding your medical history. You can expect questions such as:

• Where are you experiencing pain?
• When did the pain start?
• Can you describe the pain (i.e., sharp, burning, stabbing, hot, etc.)?
• Is the pain constant or does it ebb and flow?
• Did the pain start as a result of a recent injury or accident?
• Does anything bring relief or cause the pain to increase?

Chiropractic Evaluation

Now that the chiropractor Wilmington has a better understanding of your medical history, he or she will progress to the chiropractic examination. During this phase of your consultation, the chiropractor will check your vital signs and your reflexes. Certain orthopedic and neurological tests will also be conducted. These will be to check things like muscle tone and strength, range of motion, and neurological integrity.

Diagnostic Exams

Usually, a medical history evaluation and chiropractic exam are enough to provide the chiropractor with everything she needs to know in order to develop a course of treatment. But, in some cases, it may be necessary to undergo certain diagnostic exams, such as an x-ray, MRI, or other labs, before the chiropractor can make a positive diagnosis.

This is the usual process that’s followed during a chiropractic initial consultation. Depending on the patient and the cause of their pain, an initial spinal manipulation may or may not take place during the first visit.

Schedule an Appointment with a Southeastern Healthcare Chiropractor Wilmington NC Today

Just like going to the dentist for the first time, being treated by a chiropractor can be frightening if you’ve never experienced it before. But, don’t let your fear stop you from getting the relief you’re looking for. A chiropractor can help you enjoy a pain-free life without the risk of drugs or surgeries.

Relief from back and neck pain is available. Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-202-4341 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.