When you meet your BCA chiropractor, Dr. Neil Bray, for the first time, he will start with a discussion about you, your health and your reasons for asking for chiropractic help. You will be asked for a great deal of information, not just about the pain or complaint that may have brought you, but about your past health history. Some of the questions may appear irrelevant, but they are extremely important to your chiropractor. To ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition Neil will need to establish an overall health picture. If chiropractic appears not to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your GP or relevant specialist.

Your details are confidential. No one else will be allowed to see your notes without your permission.

Examination

Once your case history is complete, Neil will examine you to confirm any early ideas about your problem. The examination will concentrate on your neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it may also be necessary to check other things such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes; this thorough check up is a normal procedure in a chiropractor's clinic. However, it is not usual for a chiropractor to examine intimate areas; you will be referred to your GP if your chiropractor feels you would benefit from this.

Gowns are made available for you to wear for the examination, as well as any following treatments.

After the initial consultation and examination, your chiropractor may offer you treatment almost immediately. However, it may be delayed for a day or two if he needs to take or view X-rays, perform urine tests or obtain further information from your GP (for example blood test results) and where appropriate, refer you for an MRI/CT scan.

Report of findings

Before treatment starts, Neil will tell you, in clear, simple language, what is wrong with you, what can be done about it and what you should expect when you receive your first adjustment. You will probably be told about any exercises or changes to your lifestyle or diet that may be beneficial, so that you can help yourself. A part of getting better is up to you, so please follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely. You will also be advised of all costs that relate to your future care. It would be appropriate, at this point, for your chiropractor to tell you of any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem, and the possible need for any ongoing supportive care. This is not an unusual situation for patients who have had serious injuries, as well as those who have long-term problems due to wear and tear to the joints.