The spine has over 100 joints that allow it to move and function freely. The high mobility that the spine gives us, can also mean that problems arise because of the extreme complexity of the structure and function of spine. I am one of the chiropractors in Denver that concentrate on spine and pelvis problems.
Chiropractors in Denver provide thorough exams for the spine and pelvis
It is paramount that you see a spine specialist, such as a Denver chiropractor to examine your spine. Chiropractors are specialists when it comes to the spine. The chiropractic specialist will conduct a very thorough examination of your spinal related pain complaint.
A typical examination will look something like this:
1. Paperwork – Documenting main complaint and symptoms, with pain diagram and consent forms, and office policies signed.
2. Paperwork – Family history, past medical history, current medications, past experience with chiropractors.
3. Consult – More thorough discussion of location of pain, what the pain feels like, what makes it worse, what makes it better, how it was injured, date it was injured, prior injuries to the area, prior imaging done, getting worse or getting better, how severe the pain is at different times, associated symptoms, neurological complaints, and other info such as medications, recent illnesses or fevers, sleep patterns, current exercise, alcohol or tobacco use, and present diet.
4. Examination – Possible imaging or referral may need to be done. Observation of posture, standing active range of motion, deep tendon reflexes, motor/muscle testing, orthopedic testing (big category), pulses, blood pressure, neurological exams, possible heart/lung/abdomen exams.
5. Discussion of exam findings – discuss options, treatment recommendation, possible side effects from therapy
Possible Diagnosis from Examinations
This can be a very big category, as one condition is usually present with other conditions. There are thousands of diagnosis’s that doctors use, and they are based on the International Classification of Diseases. Here is a short list of possible problems that can show with an examination by chiropractors in Denver. We also utilize Foundation Training to help aide in the recovery of such conditions.
- Sacroiliac Syndrome
- Lumbar Strain/Sprain
- Lumbar Facet Syndrome
- Lumbar Instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Lumbar DJD
- Scoliosis
- Leg Length Inequality
- Vertebral Epipysitis
- Costosternal Syndrome
- Postural Syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Spinal Degeneration Video from Doc Meade on Vimeo.
Author: Dr. Trent Artichoker