Chiropractors are highly trained doctors who are experts in musculoskeletal disorders related to the spine. Besides treating spinal problems, these doctors provide comprehensive plans to promote movement, pain relief, and overall health.
Let’s discuss what to expect on your first chiropractic care visit in Fort Worth, TX.
Expect a Friendly Discussion of Your Spinal Symptoms and Condition
Your chiropractor will start your visit by reviewing your medical history and medications. You will discuss the symptoms which concern you most. For instance, if you have neck pain, your chiropractor may ask you these questions:
- When did your pain start?
- How long does it last? Is it constant or intermittent?
- Are you in pain right now?
- Where is it located?
- What worsens or relieves it?
- What does it feel like? (Is it sharp or dull, throbbing, burning, stabbing, or tingling?)
Since chiropractors are highly trained in disorders related to the spinal column and its associated muscles and nerves, they focus on movements, functions, and sensations originating from the back and affecting other body areas. They work to promote proper body mechanics, including good posture, range of motion, improved circulation, better oxygenation, and healing. They can ward off or slow down the effects of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
Accordingly, when you provide accurate answers to your chiropractor’s questions, you help the doctor diagnose your condition and formulate treatments that promote and sustain your health, comfort, mobility, and independence.
Expect a Hands-on Examination of Your Back
Chiropractors can tell a lot about you and your health by palpating, or feeling, your neck, shoulders, mid-back and lumbar, or lower back. They discover trigger points of pain, muscular knots, and spinal misalignments. This examination takes several minutes, and your chiropractor will note areas of swelling, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
Also, you may undergo an X-ray examination to view the skeletal structures. Soft tissue injuries and conditions may require more advanced imaging, such as MRI or CT scan, as needed.
Expect a Detailed Chiropractic Treatment Plan
This plan will include a:
- Chiropractic diagnosis (spinal stenosis, sciatica, or ruptured intervertebral discs)
- In-office and at-home treatments, including adjustments, exercises, and advanced techniques, and modalities
- The expected number of visits you need to feel better and maintain spinal health
Also, your chiropractor may perform a series of helpful spinal adjustments. These adjustments are simple, manual thrusts, which push misaligned joints (subluxations) back into place. While not painful, you will feel pressure and hear some harmless popping or snapping noises as the doctor moves up and down your spinal vertebrae.
Texas Medical Institute in Fort Worth, TX
Our friendly and highly skilled staff provides integrated health care for the entire family. Dr. Greg Gardner is our board-certified family medicine physician, and Dr. Bobbie Thompson Williams and Dr. Amy Mohr are our on-site chiropractors.
We look forward to helping you and your loved ones attain and maintain optimal health. If you wish to know more about chiropractic care, contact our Fort Worth, TX, office at (817) 615-8633, or just fill out our appointment request form online.
