Your First Visit
On your first visit to our office in Port Charlotte, Florida, you will be welcomed as a member of our family.
As is the case in any medical facility, you will be required to fill out some paperwork that will give us basic information about you and a description of your current condition. Upon completion of your paperwork, you will meet and consult with Dr. York to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, as well as potential treatment options. NOTE: Download a new patient form now to save time upon arrival at our office.
Types of questions the chiropractor might ask include:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is the pain located?
- Is the pain the result of an injury?
- Are there any circumstances that relieve the pain?
- Are there activities or circumstances that make the pain worse?
Chiropractic Physical Examination
Dr. York will conduct a thorough chiropractic examination, which includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes. Specific orthopedic and neurological tests will be conducted to assess:
- the range of motion of the affected part
- muscle tone
- muscle strength
- neurological integrity
Additional chiropractic tests may be required to assess the affected area, such as having the patient move in a specific manner, doing a posture analysis, or a chiropractic manipulation of the affected body part.
Based upon the results of the history and chiropractic examination, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used to more accurately diagnose your condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary, but if so they include:
- X-ray exam
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
Our office can provide basic X-rays, but an MRI scan and more extensive imaging studies require us to refer you to an outside health center.
Based on your medical history, the physical examination and any diagnostic studies, the doctor will provide a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, Dr. York will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care and will explain the following:
- Your diagnosed condition
- An individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)
- The anticipated length of chiropractic care
We do everything in our power to help relieve your back pain or sciatica as fast as possible, with as few treatments as necessary, and also give advice on how to avoid future episodes of back pain.