A New Patient's Guide to Chiropractic Care in Oak Ridge TN

If you've recently scheduled your first visit to a chiropractor near Oak Ridge TN, you may be wondering what to expect. Chiropractors specialize in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system using holistic, alternative medicine. Here is a new patient's guide to chiropractic care.

Initial Consultation and Examination in Oak Ridge TN

During your first visit to a chiropractor, he will need your full medical history. It may help if you write down your symptoms, medications, and previous surgeries or treatments for past or present health conditions. Your chiropractor will need information about when your symptoms started, how long they last, and how severe they are. He will perform a complete physical examination to evaluate the extent of your symptoms, and he'll assess your range of motion, muscle tone and strength, and neurological integrity.

Diagnostic Testing

Your chiropractor may need to perform diagnostic testing to determine the root cause of your symptoms. This will help him identify any structural abnormalities that can help him make an accurate diagnosis. Your chiropractor will only perform diagnostic tests if he believes that they are absolutely necessary to creating an effective chiropractic care plan. The most common methods of diagnostic testing that are used by chiropractors include x-rays and medical scans, such as MRIs, PET scans, or CT scans. In rare situations, your chiropractor may also perform laboratory tests, such as blood tests. Your chiropractor will use the results of your physical examination and tests to reach an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

Development of a Comprehensive Chiropractic Care Plan

Once your chiropractor has reached a diagnosis, he can develop a personalized chiropractic care plan for you. He will discuss the results of your test, your diagnosis, and his recommendation for chiropractic care with you in detail. Chiropractic care often involves a combination of different treatments that will help you reach short term and long term goals. The most common methods of chiropractic care are chiropractic adjustments, electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasounds, acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition and lifestyle counseling.