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THE EXAM A thorough history will be taken of the patient’s overall health, habits, work environment, sleeping pattern, stress level, accidents, sports injuries and other relevant factors. This will help the doctor determine potential causes of the patient’s complaints. Next, a postural evaluation is conducted. The patient is asked to stand and look forward as the practitioner notes the balance of the head, shoulders, hips and knees from the front (anterior view) and from the side (lateral view).
Then, a range of motion exam is performed. The patient is asked to rotate and bend the head sideways as the practitioner notes the degrees of motion. A similiar method is used to ascertain movement abilty of the lower back region and other affected joints or muscles.
Finally, the palpatory exam. The practitioner uses his hands and fingers to find areas of muscle spasm or trigger points along the patient’s neck, upper, middle and lower back, as well as other areas of concern such as, the gluteal region, hips and legs. He will also check for any spinal vertebral misalignments, or subluxations.
On the follow up visit, the patient is given a summary of the examination findings, as well as a recommended treatment program. If a referral to another professional is necessary, it will be given at this time.
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Once the examination is complete, the doctor can then adequately identify the cause of pain or discomfort and recommend the most effective approach to alleviating the pain and correcting the underlying problem.
COMMON FINDINGS:
Anterior Head Carriage– When the head and neck are contracted forward. This can place severe stress on your neck, upper back muscles, ligaments, vertebrae and discs. Symptoms include headaches, restricted range of motion, numbness and tingling down the arms, and painful neck and/or shoulder tension.
Anterior Rotation of Shoulders– Shoulders are pulled/rotated forward; can be accompanied by or develop into a “hunched” back (hyperkyphosis). This can cause constant severe pain and/or a pins and needles sensation in the muscles between your shoulder blades. If left uncorrected, degeneration of the discs and vertebrae, as well as chronic pain and nerve damage may be the result.
Uneven Shoulders– Spine may be rotated or skewed to the left or right. This pulls muscles, ligaments and vertebrae out of alignment causing imbalances of the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Uneven Hips– Low back pain, foot and knee problems are common symptoms. Uneven hips can cause one leg to be shorter than the other, consequently, putting undue pressure on the opposite knee and foot. Many patients come in with knee pain without suspecting the hips as the root of the problem.
Limited Range of Motion– This can be a sign of trigger points in the muscle, arthritis in the joints, spinal misalignment (subluxation), spinal degeneration and/or damage of the intervertebral disc.
Pain Upon Palpation in the Neck & Shoulder Region– Pain in this area can be caused by unconsciously shrugging shoulders up while at work or driving. Pain in this area is also commonly linked to emotional stress and negative feelings such as anger, resentment and fear. Stress causes muscles to tighten up and constrict. It is the body’s “flight or fight” reflex. Muscles that are contracted over a long period of time develop trigger points that can pull vertebrae out of alignment. This can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, soreness and constant tension and irritability.
Tightness in the Hamstrings– This can cause improper movement of the pelvic bones, causing pain and muscle spasm in the lower back, hips, and buttocks.
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