General Summary
A typical chiropractic treatment follows the standard protocol of:
Patient
interview where the chiropractor takes a detailed case history concentrating
specifically on any presenting symptoms, and including such things as the
patient's medical history, current medication, past accidents/injuries,
operations, illnesses etc.
The main reasons for taking such a detailed case history are to help the
chiropractor to formulate a possible cause for the presenting symptoms,
to enable the chiropractor (and patient) to assess the progress of chiropractic
care and, importantly, to ensure that there are no contraindications that
would prevent the patient from receiving chiropractic care or that require
referral to another healthcare professional.
Explaining
to the patient what is entailed in the chiropractic treatment and any possible
reactions that the patient may experience to the adjustments.
Obtaining
informed consent where the patient signs the record card agreeing to
the treatment. In the case of a minor, the attending parent or guardian
signs on their behalf.
Physical
assessment to gain further information on the patient's presenting symptoms,
which can include palpation, range of motion or neurological and orthopaedic
testing, as necessary.
Normally, patients are treated in their undergarments and a gown is always
offered, however some chiropractors do treat patients who are clothed.
Making
adjustments as required. The chiropractor assesses the patient's whole
body for subluxations and misalignments, and uses fast, low-force adjustments
and mobilizations to stimulate the body's own self-healing mechanism and
facilitate a return to optimum health.
Explaining
to the patient what was found during the treatment and devising a treatment
plan outlining such things as the number and frequency of further treatments.
Advising on aftercare, such as home exercises, postural advice, work and lifestyle modifications.
The Patient
Nick is a 52 year-old agricultural advisor who enjoys walking, gardening and DIY. He reports suffering from an intermittent, niggly low back pain of one month's duration that radiates into the outer edge of his right leg to his knee. This is a legacy of a lifting accident that occurred 10 years ago and which reoccurs occasionally when he forgets to be careful. He is also feeling tight across his shoulders and neck.
Nick received chiropractic care for his whole body but the chiropractor reported finding significant subluxations in both the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of his spine. She also offered him postural advice to help with his tight neck and shoulders.