Next Generation Chiropractic & Wellness

Why will a Chiropractic Doctor do a Comprehensive Exam?

Chiropractors are typically trained in multiple methods of assessing back pain, including:  Chiropractors are trained in examining the joints, bones, muscles and tendons of the spine, head, extremities and other areas of the body with the purpose of noting any misalignment, tenderness, asymmetry, defects or other problems.
 

Chiropractors are trained to perform a variety of neurologic tests (nerve root compression/tension, motor strength, coordination, deep tendon and pathological reflexes, etc.) and are skilled in performing orthopedic, cardiovascular and many other common examinations.
 

Chiropractors are trained to assess range of motion, stability, muscle strength, muscle tone and other assessments with the lower back.
 

Chiropractors are trained in use of diagnostic studies and tools such as radiography (X-rays), laboratory diagnostics and neurodiagnostics.

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In the assessment of lower back pain, differential diagnosis utilizing a "triage" concept of classifying low back injuries into one of three categories helps to guide the doctor of chiropractic. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include:

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1. Potentially serious: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological problem (cauda equina), local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding (hemophilia), artificial joint implant problems, pacemaker problems, joint infection

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2. Nerve problem: when the nerve root in the low back is pinched or compressed, causing a radiculopathy (sciatica). Typical causes of nerve root pinching include a lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis

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3. Non-specific: mechanical back pain in the lumbar spine. This type of lower back pain is the most common presentation, and includes pain for which there is no identifiable cause.

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With chiropractic diagnosis of potentially serious injuries, the chiropractor will typically refer the patient to a relevant medical specialist and possibly a surgeon, and as appropriate the chiropractor may co-manage the patient's care with other back pain specialists. With this classification, chiropractic manipulation is typically avoided over the relevant anatomy.

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Conditions Chiropractors Can Treat:

• Headaches/Migraines

• TMJD

• Neck Pain

• Shoulder & Hand Pain/Numbness

• Mid-Back & Scapular Pain

• Low Back & Hip Pain

• Lower Extremity Pain

• Upper Extremity Pain

• Foot & Ankle Pain

• Scoliosis

• Whiplash

• Disc Injury

• Neuropathy