The initial examination is the first step towards formulating a management plan for you and consists of two main components, the Subjective and Objective assessment. The results of this will then determine the need for any further diagnostic testing.
Subjective
This is simply the part of the examination where you will get the opportunity to tell Nick about your complaint, symptoms and history. It is important to describe these as clearly as possible because it is from these points that we can draw initial clues as to what the origin of your symptoms may be. If you leave any gaps, or further information is warranted, then Nick will ask you relevant questions to gain a more rounded picture. It is sometimes useful to make a quick list of any elements such as location of pains, frequency of symptoms, when is it worse or maybe medication that you are on, prior to your visit.
Objective
This is the physical examination which is based upon the findings from the Subjective. All female clients will be accompanied at this point either by a friend or family member, or a chaperone. This ensures everyone is as comfortable as possible and allows thorough testing. There are many different tests that can be carried out in the assessment of your spine but only those relevant to your individual presentations will be used.
When both of these components have been fully undertaken an initial diagnosis will be formulated and a treatment strategy made. For many of you it may involve further diagnostic tests to help confirm or refute the probable causes initially diagnosed. This may consist of the more common procedures such as X-Rays, MRI Scans or even CT Scans in some cases. If these investigations are not enough to give a satisfactory diagnosis you may be asked to undergo further tests such as facet joint blocks, Epidurals, Nerve Root Blocks or Discograms. Although some people will get some symptom relief from these procedures they are recognised as diagnostic and not curative in their own right. For further information on these follow the links to the appropriate pages. If invasive techniques are appropriate in your case then this will be discussed with you but this is not taken lightly and normally only prevails after failure of conservative methods.
For many of you the initial examination or imaging will be sufficient to formulate a satisfactory plan. This may consist of non-invasive treatments such as Exercise, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic etc. For those of you who have come from one of these sources originally you may be asked to return with a specific plan of action, for those who haven’t Nick will be able to recommend the service or practitioner that is the most appropriate in your case.
