Needham Chiropractor | Needham chiropractic care | MA | First Visit Expectations

The process begins by thoroughly reviewing your detailed health history including your chief complaint(s), review of systems, surgical and family history, exercise habits and history of any past traumas, including motor vehicle accidents, recreational and sports injuries, work related traumas, and prior treatment programs, diagnostic testing including imaging studies and their results.  The physical examination that follows consists of standard orthopedic and neurological tests as well as special Chiropractic procedures to evaluate musculoskeletal distortion patterns. During the exam, the doctor will be focusing attention on problem areas discussed during the history, while focusing on  spinal imbalance and its potential relationship to your symptoms.  Accidents or injuries can misalign spinal structures resulting in postural imbalance, head neck and pelvic distortion,  and leg length disparity also known as the “functional short leg” phenomenon. Your examination will include a plumbline postural evaluation,  supine and prone leg check and caliper readings which record your body’s balance, static and motion palpation, and range of motion studies.  At this point the doctor may suggest diagnostic xray views to obtain additional information prior to informing you if you are a candidate for care.

First Visit Summary:
- Complete Health History
- Watch a video educating you about Upper Cervical Chiropractic
- Physical Examination 

 If you are a candidate for care, we will take your pre-correction x-rays

Your Second Visit

During this visit the doctor will sit down with you and review examination and x-ray findings.  The doctor will identify any problem areas with you, and ensure that you completely understand the findings from your x-rays. The doctor will then recommend a treatment plan based off or your scans, x-rays and postural assessment. Each individual’s care plan is designed for his or her case.

You will then receive your first upper cervical correction in the office. During your upper cervical correction there is no twisting, popping, or cracking of the spine. The correction is done with a gentle touch to the neck. Each adjustment is determined from x-ray measurement. Patients lay on their right or left side on the adjusting table. By gently contacting the side of your neck, the doctor will direct your head and neck back toward a healthy, balanced position. The adjustment is followed by another supine leg check and Anatometer postural analysis. We will then take a second set of x-rays, and compare them with your first set. This will be followed by a resting period. Finally, you will receive instructions explaining how to best protect and maintain your new correction.
This second visit, including the post adjustment x-rays, requires approximately 60-90 minutes to complete the visit.

Second Visit Summary
- X-ray report of findings bone by bone with doctor
- The doctor will recommend your personalized treatment plan based off of first visit findings and x-ray results
- You will receive your first upper cervical correction
- Complete post x-rays
- Doctor will analyze your post x-rays
- Receive instructions and education on how to maintain your new alignment

Follow-up Care

After the first two visits follow-up care begins. This involves a supine leg check and/or Anatometer postural analysis on each visit, as well as an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment as needed. The goal of care is to correct your spine, and keep it corrected over time. Because each adjustment experience and healing response is unique to the individual, you will be monitored closely for any changes that you might experience which are linked to the healing process.

Insurance

All of our patients pay by cash, check, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard/Discover) at the time of service. Our staff, who are trained in insurance practices, will send information about your care to the insurance company and your insurance company will reimburse you based on your insurance plan. Insurance coverage for chiropractic varies so speak with your employer or insurance carrier if you have any questions.

Medicare

If you are on Medicare, we will submit claims to Medicare for you. There are many aspects of care that Medicare will not reimburse or cover. Those services are paid to the office as care is rendered.