Chiropractic First Visit FAQs
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
You do not need permission or a referral from a medical doctor to visit a chiropractor to find out if youd be a good candidate for chiropractic care.
However, some insurance policies and Workers Compensation require a referral from a primary care physician if you want reimbursement for chiropractic services to be considered for payment by your carrier.
What can I expect on a typical visit to a chiropractor?
The first visit to a chiropractor will include some paperwork describing your health history and current health issue. This will be followed by a brief interview with the chiropractor to better understand your situation. If you appear to be a good candidate for chiropractic care, a thorough examination will follow. If it seems unlikely that chiropractic care will help your situation, youll be referred to someone who might be better able to address your concern.
The examination will often include a series of physical, orthopedic and neurological tests designed to reveal the presence of vertebral subluxation. Some chiropractors will also employ diagnostic X-rays, surface EMG, thermography and other technologies designed to detect nerve interferences.
Some practitioners will immediately report their findings and deliver your first chiropractic adjustment. Others will want some time to correlate their findings and deliver a more formal report and adjustment on a second visit, later that same day or the next.
After the initial entrance procedures are behind you, a typical visit may last from 10-20 minutes depending on the chiropractic adjusting techniques used or adjunctive procedures performed.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or rely on medications. Instead, if pain is present, your chiropractor will show you the proper procedure for administering ice to reduce pain and inflammation.
Will I get adjusted on the first visit?
It varies from chiropractor to chiropractor. Some practitioners will recommend that chiropractic care begin immediately; others will prefer to study the exam findings and present a formal report of findings. Both protocols have their supporters.