What to Expect on Your First Visit
Health History
The first step for a new Chiropractic patient is filling-out a complete health history form. Old injuries, chronic problems, and the patients present symptoms are recorded on the form for Study.
All Members of the Staff are always available for a complete and thorough discussion with the patient
Consultation
After reviewing the health history, the Doctor meets with the patient to discuss their problems and determine how they can be best treated through Chiropractic care.
Prospective patients are questioned by the Doctor about how the physical strains have affected health by precipitating spinal misalignments called subluxations, and subsequent impingement of the nervous system.
Exam: Tests
Checking the spinal range of motion is a regular part of the physical exam. Reflexes are tested and other Chiropractic tests are made.
Exam: X-rays
Chiropractic physical includes full-length X-rays of the spine, an important innovation of Chiropractic. These standing X-rays show the spine in its natural weight-bearing state
Subluxations are determined by careful analysis of the X-rays, palpation of the soft tissues of the spine, range of motion studies and tests with instruments.
Explanation
After the Doctor has studied the health history and X-rays, he meets again with patients to explain the results of the exam and the recommended course of Chiropractic care.
A complete information panel is available along with other instructional aids so that any and all questions the patient may have can be answered.
The Doctor will also explain the spine and subluxations. As the spine chart shows, each nerve root serves a certain portion of the body and its organs. Impairment of its functions can cause or complicate many disease processes.
Chiropractic Correction and Treatment
The adjustment or correction of a subluxation is the means of care provided by the Chiropractor.
In the picture to the right, the Doctor is shown adjusting the vertebrae in the lower back. Padded tables of several types are used for adjusting, including mechanized versions which accommodates a wide variety of postures.
The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebrae to its natural position. The soft tissues, the muscles and ligaments, are stretched when the vertebrae is in an unnatural position, so these tissues must have time to rehabilitate. Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position, and the shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebrae in place.
Most patients will have a treatment period ranging over a few months and will continue Chiropractic care on a regular basis to they will benefit from the kind of health preservation that Chiropractic provides.
Petterson Chiropractic Clinic - 825 Bahls Drive, Hastings MN 55033 (651) 480-1128