Here’s how we evaluate your spine and why each step matters in creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

1. Health History and Consultation

Before any hands-on assessment begins, we start by discussing your health history. This includes:

• Any current symptoms (pain, stiffness, numbness, etc.)
• Previous injuries or surgeries
• Lifestyle habits (work demands, physical activity, stress)
• Sleep patterns and daily posture

Understanding your background helps us identify possible causes of your spinal issues and determine the best direction for care.

2. Posture and Gait Analysis

Your posture says a lot about your spinal health. During your visit, we evaluate:

• Head and shoulder alignment
• Uneven hips or leg length discrepancies
• Curvatures in the spine (like forward head posture or swayback)
• How you walk (gait analysis), including foot placement and balance

Even small postural imbalances can place excess strain on your spine and joints. Identifying these issues early allows us to correct them before they lead to more serious discomfort.

3. Range of Motion and Orthopedic Testing

We’ll assess how well your joints and spine move through different directions—such as bending, twisting, and rotating. Limited motion or stiffness in certain areas can indicate inflammation, joint dysfunction, or muscle tension.

In some cases, we may use orthopedic tests to check for nerve involvement, disc issues, or referred pain patterns. These simple hands-on assessments help pinpoint the exact area of concern.

4. Spinal Palpation

Palpation is the process of using the hands to feel your spine and surrounding tissues. This allows your chiropractor to detect:

• Misalignments or restricted joints
• Muscle spasms or tightness
• Areas of tenderness or swelling

This step is key to locating subtle imbalances that might not show up on imaging but still affect your comfort and mobility.

5. Neurological Evaluation

Because your spine protects your nervous system, we also check for any signs of nerve interference. This may include testing:

• Reflexes
• Sensation in the arms or legs
• Muscle strength and tone

This helps determine if your symptoms are related to nerve compression or irritation.

6. Diagnostic Imaging (if needed)

Depending on your condition and history, we may recommend imaging studies such as:

• X-rays: To view spinal alignment, joint space, and bone structure
• MRI or CT scans: If more detailed soft tissue or nerve information is needed

These tools offer a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body and guide us in creating a precise, effective treatment plan.

Why This Matters

Every spine is unique. A detailed assessment ensures that your care is not based on guesswork—but on real information about how your body is functioning. At Rainey Chiropractic, we don’t just treat symptoms—we aim to correct the underlying issue so you can feel better, move better, and stay active.

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to improve your posture, our comprehensive spinal evaluation is the first step toward better health.

Ready to learn more about your spine?
Schedule a visit at Rainey Chiropractic and let us help you take the next step toward feeling your best—one adjustment at a time.