What to Expect at Your First Visit

Before your first visit, you will be asked to complete forms that provide background information about your symptoms, condition, and health history. Questions may include:

• When did your pain or condition start?
• Where is the pain located?
• Did the pain or condition begin after an injury or accident?
• Does anything improve or worsen the pain?
• What treatments have you already tried, and how helpful were they?

You may also be asked to provide information about your family medical history, pre-existing medical conditions, prior injuries, previous health care providers, and current treatments. To properly evaluate your condition and design an appropriate treatment plan, Dr. Wehrspan needs to know about any of the following:

• Bone disorders, such as osteoporosis
• Implants, such as pacemakers, artificial joints, cosmetic implants, or other implanted devices
• Circulatory problems
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Heart conditions, such as hypertension
• Nausea
• Injuries, such as fractures, muscle sprains or strains, or disc injuries
• Joint disorders, such as arthritis
• Any current health condition for which you are receiving care from another health care practitioner

When applicable, please bring copies of previous test results, such as MRI or X-ray reports, lab results, and a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.

The next step is a physical examination performed by Dr. Wehrspan to evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. The examination may include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

• Range of motion of the affected area, including observation as you walk, turn, bend, or lift
• Muscle tone
• Muscle strength
• Neurological integrity
• Posture evaluation

X-rays are not routinely required. However, if Dr. Wehrspan considers imaging medically necessary, you may be referred to an off-site medical imaging center, such as Iowa Radiology, Iowa Clinic Medical Imaging, or Mercy One Radiology.

The combination of your health history and physical examination will help Dr. Wehrspan develop a diagnosis or clinical explanation for your condition. This will help determine whether your pain or condition is likely to respond to chiropractic care.

Dr. Wehrspan will explain:

• The diagnosed condition or clinical findings
• The recommended chiropractic treatment plan, or other treatment recommendations when appropriate
• The anticipated length and frequency of care

If Dr. Wehrspan determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he will make the proper referral.

Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist.

In many cases, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical conditions are present, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by addressing the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.

In most cases, if you and Dr. Wehrspan agree that chiropractic care is appropriate, you can expect to receive your first chiropractic adjustment during your initial visit.

Patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed chiropractic table while Dr. Wehrspan uses his hands or a handheld, low-force adjusting instrument to adjust joints of the spine and/or extremities. The goal of treatment is to help reduce pain and restore or improve joint function.

Dr. Wehrspan will adapt your treatment plan to meet your specific needs and comfort level. Other treatments may also be used when appropriate, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice or heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises.

The extent and duration of your condition, combined with the hands-on nature of chiropractic care, may require additional visits over a short-term time frame. Dr. Wehrspan will explain the anticipated length and frequency of care.

You may also receive home-care instructions, which may include ice or heat application, avoiding certain activities or positions, and performing specific exercises and/or stretches at home.