What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment for Chronic Pain

When you're in chronic pain, you're already highly stressed. Because of this, the thought of going to a new type of doctor can be daunting. What will happen? Will it be unusual? Fortunately, you don't have to just wonder. Here is a guide on what to expect during your first visit to West Knoxville Chiropractor of Knoxville, TN for chronic pain.

Questions About Your Complaints

After the doctor introduces himself, he'll start the evaluation by asking about your condition. You'll need to answer things like how long you've been in pain, where it hurts, and if you have any accompanying symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness. You'll also be asked about whether anything in particular aggravates the pain or other symptoms. Your answers will provide a roadmap toward possible diagnoses.

Imaging

Now that the doctor has some ideas about where to look, X-rays and other imaging studies may be done. In most cases, X-rays are all that are needed, but if the soft tissues need to be visualized as well, MRIs or CT scans may be called for.

The Physical Exam

At this point, it's time for the doctor to do the hands-on part of the evaluation. Your spine and joints will be probed to feel for abnormalities and to pinpoint painful areas. The doctor may move your limbs in specific ways to check for range of motion; contracted muscles, tendons, and ligaments; and to see if any specific types of motion are painful.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Once all of this information is in, it's time for the doctor to provide you with a diagnosis. At this time, he'll also suggest a treatment plan and give you all of its details.

Your First Treatment

In some cases, the doctor may provide a treatment during your first visit. This will depend on your condition, so you may be asked to make a new appointment for your first treatment instead.

Get Evaluated for Your Pain

To get started on the path to wellness through chiropractic care, call us here at West Knoxville Chiropractor. We'll be glad to schedule your evaluation.