The Chiropractic Evaluation
As Chiropractors, we use orthopedic and neurologic evaluations in addition to the chiropractic analysis in order to best assess and diagnose the cause of your problem.
The Chiropractic Evaluation
Chiropractors use a combination of studies to evaluate a person. Things that are checked include simple postural analysis, scoliosis screening, range of motion studies as well as joint and spinal motion analysis. Most often, a decrease of a range of motion can occur so slowly over time that it may not be noticed until a complete spinal range test is performed. This can lead to subluxation of the vertebra. Conversely, subluxations of vertebrae (i.e. from a sports injury, a car accident, or another trauma) can also lead decreased joint function.
The Orthopedic Evaluation
While every orthopaedic evaluation is different, there are many commonly used tests that a chiropractor may consider in evaluating a patient's condition.
In general, the orthopaedic evaluation usually consists of:
A thorough medical history
A physical examination
X-rays
Additional tests, as needed
Your medical history is taken to assist the chiropractor in evaluating your overall health and the possible causes of your joint pain. In addition, it will help us determine to what degree your joint pain is interfering with your ability to perform everyday activities.
The Neurological Evaluation
The neurological examination performed by chiropractors is determined by subjective and objective findings. Like any other exam, the patients input is helpful subjectively, however objective findings are not based on patient input, but rather are found by the physician. Neurological testing includes sensory and motor functioning as well as strength tests. If there is a deficiency in one of these areas, the cause of the problem needs to be discovered and treatment delivered.
What the physician sees during the physical examination — which includes examination of standing posture, gait analysis (watching how you walk), sitting down, and lying down helps to confirm (or to rule out) the possible diagnosis. The physical exam will also enable a chiropractor to evaluate other important aspects of your spine and extremeties, including:
Size and length
Strength
Range of motion
Swelling
Reflexes
If you are experiencing pain in your hip joint, your back may be examined because hip pain may actually be the result of problems in the lower spine.
The same can be said for arm or shoulder pain eminating from the neck.
After the physical examination, X-ray evaluation is usually the next step in making the diagnosis. The X-rays help show how much joint damage or deformity exists. An abnormal X-ray may reveal:
Narrowing of the joint space
Loss of normal spinal curves
Scoliosis
Spurs on the edge of the bone
Deformity or incorrect alignment
Occasionally, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Specialized X-rays of the back can help confirm that hip pain isn't being caused by a back problem. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or a CAT
scan may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues
of the affected areas.
In order to assist us in making a diagnosis, it may be helpful to write down
your answers to the following questions before the appointment:
Where and when do I have pain?
How long have I had this pain/When did it start?
Do I have any redness or swelling around my joints?
What daily tasks are hard to do now?
Does anyone in my family have similar problems?
