Good chiropractors do everything in their power to help relieve their patient's symptoms as fast as possible - with as few treatments as necessary - and also give advice on how to avoid future episodes of back pain or sciatica.

Because this profession has an unusually large variety of practice philosophies and chiropractic techniques, individuals should feel comfortable asking all the questions necessary to understand the chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and treatment program.

This article explains what patients can expect during the first chiropractic consultation. This initial consultation involves the chiropractor completing a thorough chiropractic exam lasting 45 minutes or more.

First Chiropractic Visit

Some people conduct an initial interview with the chiropractor either over the phone or in person that is focused on discussion (e.g. about the chiropractor's philosophy, expertise and general approach, and the patient's preferences) and does not include a clinical exam.

The following describes the initial in office clinical exam, which generally includes 3 areas:

  1. Patient History and Symptoms

    In preparation for the chiropractic consultation, the patient will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about his or her symptoms and condition. Types of questions typically include:

    • When and how did the pain start?
    • Where is it located?
    • Describe the pain - is it sharp, dull, searing/burning, or throbbing? Does it come and go, or is it continual?
    • Did the pain start as a result of an injury?
    • What activities/circumstances makes it better or worse?


In This Article:

  1. The Chiropractic Exam


    • Range of motion of the affected part
    • Muscle tone
    • Muscle strength
    • Neurological integrity


  1. Diagnostic Studies

    Based upon the results of the patient's history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities to more accurately diagnose a condition.


    The most common diagnostic studies during chiropractic exams include:

    • X-ray exam
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
    • Other laboratory tests


Patient Diagnosis after the Chiropractic Exam

Findings from the combination of the above described history, physical examination and any required diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.

At the end of the patient's initial visit, the chiropractor will explain the patient's:

  • Diagnosed condition
  • Individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)
  • Anticipated length of chiropractic care

Some chiropractors will also provide the above information in written form, so the patient may take it home and think about it and conduct their own research.