EVALUATION, EVALUATION, EVALUATION

Once you have decided to be examined for a spinal misalignment, an extensive evaluation process begins. The process begins by looking at your detailed health history including any past traumas, motor vehicle accidents, surgeries, other treatment programs and other diagnostic tests including other x-rays. Your chief complaints, including location, onset, and duration must all be evaluated and assessed by your chiropractic doctor.

After concluding this initial process, your doctor will begin the steps necessary to determine if you are a candidate for NUCCA care.

FINDING THE PROBLEM

A crucial part of chiropractic treatment, your doctor will focus on the relationship between the head and neck. The top bone of the neck, known as the atlas, must be in line with the head, as well as with the vertebrae below. Spinal injury or damage can misalign these structures resulting in:

1. Postural imbalance
2.  Pelvic distortion
3. Leg length disparity (the "short leg" phenomenon)

As you lie on your back, your doctor will measure your leg length equality. Additional evaluation of posture may include shoulder height, hip height and deviation of your head to either side. Ranges of motion may also be measured. Specific instrumentation may also be used to evaluate your body weight distribution, pelvic rotation and normal nerve function.

If a spinal misalignment is indicated by your medical history and examination, a series of x-rays are then taken. It is important to know that you will only be accepted as a patient if the consultation and exam results indicate that you could benefit from NUCCA care. The x-rays are only taken if care is to be initiated.

TABLE TIME

Each adjustment is determined from x-ray measurement. Patients lie on their right or left side on the adjusting table. By gently contacting the side of your neck, your doctor will direct your head and neck back toward a balanced, healthy position.

CONTINUOUS MONITORING

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. We have stressed the importance of receiving the best possible correction during the first visit. Your doctor will take x-rays after your adjustment to confirm results. This is typically done only after the initial adjustment. What we know is "the better the correction, the better the chance of recovery."