Seeking chiropractic treatment for the first time doesn’t need to be a stressful event. You may already be experiencing pain and feel unsure about what to ask during the initial visit. After finding a chiropractor, either through word of mouth from family, friends, or online, do thorough research to make sure the chiropractor is licensed to practice in Nevada and has not had any trouble with any boards. There are plenty of reputable chiropractors in Las Vegas.
This checklist can make it easier to remember what to ask before agreeing to treatment.
After the Evaluation, What Technique and Treatment Plan Do You Recommend?
The initial visit could possibly take up to a few hours, as the chiropractor will want to do a full evaluation and read over the medical history and any trauma details. X-rays will be ordered so the chiropractor has a good view of the spine and can spot any damage right away.
When the chiropractor sits down to discuss the diagnosis with you, a tentative treatment plan should be offered. The chiropractor should provide details about techniques that will be used and how those particular chiropractic techniques benefit your condition. You should be given the option to choose another technique if you feel uncomfortable with a specific one. For example, you may feel uncomfortable at the thought of trying to relax during spinal manipulation, knowing the chiropractor will be listening for a “crack”.
What Is My Prognosis and How Long Will Treatment Be Needed?
Now that the chiropractor has a diagnosis explaining the problem, a prognosis can be made. If the prognosis is good, then it is theorized that the body will respond favorably to treatment. If that is the case, the chiropractor can estimate the length of treatment. Depending on the condition or injury, treatment can last for a few weeks to a year. As your healing progresses, a reassessment will be made and the treatment plan and length of treatment will be revised.
Typically, patients start out visiting the chiropractor for treatments four or five times per week. As the treatments progress, the sessions will be reduced to possibly one or two per week.
Do You Offer Comprehensive Services?
Many chiropractic offices offer comprehensive services including massage, nutrition supplements and counseling, weight loss counseling, and physical therapy. The practice of chiropractic is based on manipulating the neuromusculoskeletal system using hand movements and other treatments focused on the well-being of the patient.
The goal is to relieve your pain by aligning the spine and enabling the muscles, vertebrae, discs, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves to work at full capacity. This is only possible when the body is in a state of balance. When one area is out of balance, it may affect other areas. You will want a chiropractor that is concerned with whole body health and not just fixing your back.
A Question for the Office Manager or Billing Department
Before starting treatment, question the office manager or billing department on what procedures listed on your treatment plan will be covered by insurance. Not all insurances cover all procedures and the percentages of coverage vary. You will want to take this into consideration before starting treatment.