Chiropractic Low Back Exam

March 2, 2010

What to expect as a new patient with low back pain when you enter Contemporary Chiropractic will vary from patient to patient as we strive to make your first visit and the information gathering experience a tailored match to each individual. You can provide your initial information online, at or reception kiosk or via traditional paper works.

After the initial information is gathered your assigned provider who has reviewed your initial information will greet you and give you a brief tour of our facility.

Often after reviewing your information your provider may request pain scale information or want you to fill out baseline ADLs (activities of daily living) utilizing a disability question like the revised Oswestery or the Roland Morris, as these are common standards by which improvement can be charted.

Examinations of varying complexity will follow but will include pertinent medical history not provided, prior accident history, and the accident history relevant to your current condition.  Be prepared to give OPQRST details, onset of your current condition was it sudden or gradual, provocation-what makes it better or worse, and quality of the pain is it dull, sharp, pulsing, burning, etc. Is it localized or does it radiate, what is the severity mild, moderate, or severe and what is the timing, it better in the morning or evening.

Next your provider will do a visual inspection of the area followed by a physical examination probably more detailed than you are used to. These exams vary greatly according to many variables but will generally include static palpation, motion palpation, neurological testing, DTRs, sensory testing and orthopedic testing. Other testing may include SEMG, x-rays, dynastic SEMG, various moment assessments, and or various differential chiropractic testing procedures to produce the initial differential DX.

At this point your provider may elect to reschedule you allowing him or she additional time to review your case for a report of findings or they may choose to discuss your case and explain treatment options at that time.

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