On your first visit to a chiropractor, you may find many similarities to a medical doctor. Both healthcare professionals have office settings, usually with waiting rooms and office staffs to help you get acquainted with how the office is run. For example, you may need to sign in, denote the purpose of your visit, show proof of insurance, or fill out release forms.

Medical History

Like a medical doctor, your chiropractor will need information about your health history. Often a health history form is provided so you can list your current and past health problems, family health history, current medications, allergies, and information about how you feel today. Some forms may require additional information such as the names of doctors you have seen and how your present condition affects your activities of daily living.

An accurately completed health history form is important to the chiropractor so that he or she can better assess your current condition. If medical records are available, such as x-rays, MRI findings, or reports from other treatment providers, bring those to your chiropractic examination.

Physical Examination

During the physical examination, the chiropractor will review the information provided in the health history form. More than likely, this part of the examination will include many questions about your symptoms; when symptoms first started and activities that aggravate or improve your symptoms.

Some questions will focus on your pain and usually cover the following:

(1) The type of pain (e.g. dull ache, burning, stabbing)

(2) Severity (e.g. acute, mild)

(3) Location of the pain

(4) Frequency (e.g. constant, occurs with a specific activity)

(5) The time of day when pain is either better or worse