First Visit to a Chiropractor

What to Expect, Step-by-Step

(What Really Happens at Square One Health — and WHY We Do Things Differently)

If you’re seeking a chiropractor for the first time, congratulations on making the first step to improving your health and wellness. Maybe you are switching to a new one and you may wonder what your initial visit will look like. Several questions may be formulating in your head at this point in time: Will they adjust me right away? Will I need X-rays? How long will it take?

At Square One Health, your first appointment is thorough, unrushed, and completely individualized. This is not the typical “five-minute exam and quick adjustment” experience many people have had elsewhere. Our job is to understand you, your history, your goals, and the root causes of your pain or dysfunction before we ever begin treatment.

Below is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of what you can expect during your first chiropractic visit with us at Square One Health. Disclaimer: every office is different, so what you experience here will likely be completely different from other offices in the area.

Step 1: A Real Conversation AKA Your Free Consultation

We always start by listening. Before any exam or hands-on testing, we spend quality time talking with you about several things:

• What brought you in?
• Your description of the pain (low back pain, neck pain, headaches, nerve pain, etc.)?
• How long has it been going on?
• What makes it better or worse?
• Any history of car crashes, traumas, or serious illnesses? 
• How is it affecting your life, work, sports, sleep, or even mood?
• Your short and long-term health goals?

This is one of the most important parts of your visit. Many patients tell us, “No one has ever taken this much time to understand my problem,” or “thank you for making me feel heard.” You might wonder why we’re so thorough and there’s a good reason: We cannot help you unless we fully understand what’s happening inside your spine, body, and mind. Some call this the Biopsycosocial model of healthcare. Our responsibility is to answer three main questions:

-What is the actual problem?

-Is it safe to treat?

-Are you even a candidate for the kind of chiropractic care we provide?

This deep understanding guides everything that follows. We are not afraid to admit that we cannot treat everyone that walks into our office. If we feel as if this is not something we can treat at this time, we will not go forward with the exam and will refer you to the appropriate place. We do not want to waste your time, energy, or money. 

Step 2: Comprehensive Physical and Orthopedic Exam

Next, we perform a structured, hands-on exam to test:

• Neurological function (nerve function)
  • I.e. Reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation testing
• Active spinal motion (Range of motion)
  • I.e. Look up, look down, bend forward.
• Orthopedic tests and indicators for disc injury, nerve compression, joint instability, and soft-tissue injury
  • I.e. Straight leg raise, muscle testing, ligament stress testing
• Scoliosis Specific Testing
  • I.e. Adam’s Forward Bend Test to screen for scoliosis, abdominal reflexes and foot reflexes to assess for other neurological causes of scoliosis
• Muscle balance and tension
  • I.e. Muscle tension, spasms, trigger points, asymmetries of muscles
• Passive Spinal Motion (Chiropractic assessment)
  • I.e. The “spine exam” to assess for loss of joint motion which is called subluxation. 

This exam is far deeper than the quick, “Bend forward, touch your toes. Great! Let’s adjust you now” exam too many people are used to. This method might work for some, but important information will be missed and you might leave worse than when you came in. 

Step 3: Detailed Postural Assessment

Posture tells a detailed story about your health. We will evaluate your:

• Forward head posture
• Shoulder imbalance
• Scoliosis indicators (like rib humping)
• Pelvic unleveling
• Flat feet

Postural deviation often links directly to conditions such as:

• Chronic low back pain
• Neck pain and headaches
• Scoliosis and postural curves
• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
• Kyphosis (hunching or rounding forward)

*If a chiropractor doesn’t analyze posture, they are missing critical information about the structure and function of your spine.*

Step 4: Postural Imaging or X-Rays (When Clinically Indicated)

Not every patient needs X-rays—but some absolutely do. When imaging is appropriate, it allows us to:

• Rule out fractures or other red flags
• Identify cervical or lumbar instability
• Assess curves related to scoliosis or kyphosis
• Measure degenerative changes from spondylosis
• Map your spine compared to normal structural values
• Safely plan your chiropractic adjustments

We only order X-rays when the results will change your treatment plan or ensure it is safe.

For example:

• X-rays may reveal spondylolisthesis—a slipped vertebra that makes select spinal adjustments unsafe if not identified.
• After a car crash, imaging may show upper cervical instability, which requires a very different approach. A manual adjustment in the neck with this type of injury may make things much worse.

Modern chiropractic research—including work from Dr. Deed Harrison and Dr. Paul Oakley published in Dose-Response—supports selective, purposeful radiography when the goal is to improve spinal structure and ensure treatment safety. See our previous blog named, “Will I need X-rays or scans before the chiropractor starts treatment?” for more information. 

Step 5: Review of Findings AKA Understanding What’s Going On 

Once your exam and any imaging is complete, we will meet as a team to discuss your case and discuss potential treatment options. We will have you come back the next day or two to sit down with you and explain everything in plain language:

• What we found
• What it means to YOU
• Whether chiropractic care can help
• If we can help, what your treatment plan would look like
• What the expected outcomes are
• How long it will take
• The financial obligations

This is where things become clear, logical, and empowering. Patients often say, “I finally understand why I hurt,” or “It is so nice to know that there IS something else to help me besides drugs and surgery.” We believe you deserve to know exactly what is happening with your spine—not just be rushed into an adjustment like everyone else. 

Step 6: Your First Treatment (If Appropriate)

If it’s safe and clinically appropriate, we will begin your first gentle chiropractic treatment on the same day as your review of findings. Scared about your first adjustment? Our chiropractor will talk you through every step of the way and explain each step. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so if you are not comfortable with the process just let us know and we will discuss alternatives. There are multiple different styles of adjustments: The most common is diversified which is what you might hear as the “pop and crack” adjustment. There are also instrument adjustments which do not produce the audible sound and are a much more gentle approach if you have weak bones or are afraid of neck adjustments. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a trained chiropractor.   

However, we never adjust:

• without a proper diagnosis
• if red flags are present
• if instability or fracture is suspected
  if imaging is required first

Your safety and long-term results come first.

Why Our First Visit Is So Thorough?

1. Because your spine matters.
2. Because correcting posture and alignment requires precision.
3. Because we refuse to cut corners with your health.

Many people have been to chiropractors who:

• Did a 5-minute exam
• No posture analysis
• No imaging
• No explanation
• Quick in-and-out adjustment

That is not what we do. We practice structural, evidence-based chiropractic that requires careful analysis, clarity, and customization for each patient.

Ready to Find Out What’s Going On With Your Spine?

Whether you’re dealing with low back pain, neck pain, scoliosis, spondylosis, or kyphosis, your first visit will give you answers, clarity, and a real plan for improvement.

📞 Call Square One Health or
📅 Schedule your consultation online

…and take the first step toward moving better, feeling better, and getting your life back.