Chiropractor Initial Consultation Appointment
Subjective:
Current Symptoms:
Patient presents with acute low back pain. Started 25 October 2024, due to lifting a heavy box at work. Since onset: Pain has been constant, dull ache, with intermittent sharp pains on movement. Pain is located at the lumbar spine, is aching and sharp in character, radiates to the left buttock and posterior thigh, but not below the knee. Pain increased by: sitting for prolonged periods, bending forward, and twisting. Pain decreased by: lying down, applying heat, and gentle walking.
Review of Systems:
- Bowel & Bladder: No changes or abnormalities noted.
- Numbness: Left buttock and posterior thigh, intermittent, started with the pain, relieved by lying down.
- Weakness: No subjective weakness reported.
- P&N's: Intermittent pins and needles in the left posterior thigh, particularly after sitting, resolves with movement.
- SOB (shortness of breath): None reported.
- Headaches: Occasional tension headaches, not related to current issue.
- Dizziness: None reported.
History of Present Illness:
Patient’s history related to current issue includes a similar episode two years ago after gardening, which resolved with rest and over-the-counter pain medication within 2 weeks. The current episode is more severe. First episode: Two years prior, presented as dull low back ache. At its worst: Current pain is rated 7/10 at its worst, significantly impacting ability to sit at desk job and perform household chores. Stressors: Moderate work-related stress due to project deadlines. Family situation: Lives with partner and two school-aged children, partner provides good support.
Past Medical and Surgical History:
Previous treatments: Saw a physiotherapist for the prior episode, found some relief. No previous chiropractic care. No previous diagnoses related to current issue. Scan/MRI/X-ray results: None performed for current issue. No pregnancy history (male patient).
Lifestyle Factors:
Working conditions: Primarily seated desk job, approximately 8 hours a day, occasional heavy lifting (up to 15kg) at home. Activity limitations: Unable to comfortably sit for more than 30 minutes, difficulty bending to tie shoes, unable to play football with children.
Current Medications:
Paracetamol 500mg, 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain. Ibuprofen 200mg, 1 tablet twice daily as needed.
Family History:
Mother has osteoarthritis in her knees. Father had occasional lower back pain.
Red Flags:
No unexplained weight loss, fever, trauma (other than lifting event), history of cancer, neurological symptoms, night sweats, or DVT history reported.
The Why – Goal of Care:
Patient’s stated goals for care include being able to sit comfortably at work, return to playing football with his children without pain, and improve overall flexibility to prevent future episodes.
Objective:
Assessment of Neurological Function:
Reflexes: Patellar and Achilles reflexes 2+ bilaterally. Sensory testing: Intact to light touch in L4, L5, S1 dermatomes bilaterally. Dermatomes: No sensory deficits noted. Motor strength: Hip flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion 5/5 bilaterally. Coordination: Intact. Dizziness or balance impairments: None.
Vitals:
Blood pressure: 128/82 mmHg. Heart rate: 75 bpm. Respiratory rate: 16 breaths/min. Temperature: 36.8 °C.
Physical Examination Findings:
General movement: Guarded lumbar spine flexion and rotation. Posture: Mild hyperlordosis in lumbar spine, shoulders slightly protracted. Specific SFMA-based or chiropractic functional assessments:
- Cx flexion: Full ROM
- Cx extension: Full ROM
- Cx rotation L: Full ROM
- Cx rotation R: Full ROM
- GH pattern 1 (IntRot, extension) L: Good mobility
- GH pattern 1 (IntRot, extension) R: Good mobility
- GH pattern 2 (ExtRot, flexion) L: Good mobility
- GH pattern 2 (ExtRot, flexion) R: Good mobility
- MS flexion: Limited and painful (thoracolumbar junction)
- MS extension: Limited and painful (thoracolumbar junction)
- MS rotation L: Limited with pain
- MS rotation R: Limited with pain
- Single leg balance L: Stable for >30s
- Single leg balance R: Stable for >30s
- Deep squat: Restricted lumbar flexion at end range, compensatory hip external rotation.
- Gait analysis: Antalgic gait, slight hesitation on heel strike, reduced arm swing.
Results of Diagnostic Tests:
No diagnostic tests reviewed at this time.
Initial Thoughts, Diagnosis, and Plan:
Initial Thoughts:
Patient presents with acute lumbar facet syndrome and associated sacroiliac joint dysfunction, likely exacerbated by sedentary work and heavy lifting. Functional diagnosis is restricted segmental mobility in the lumbar spine (L4/L5, L5/S1) and left SI joint. Areas identified for chiropractic adjustment or mobilisation: Lumbar spine (L4/L5, L5/S1) and left sacroiliac joint.
Patient Expectations:
Patient expects significant pain reduction within a few visits and believes chiropractic care can help him avoid future similar episodes. He hopes to be back to normal within 4-6 weeks.
Detailed Treatment Plan:
Proposed management includes diversified chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar spine and left SI joint, soft tissue release to erector spinae and gluteal muscles, and specific exercise rehabilitation targeting core stability and hip mobility. Emphasis on team effort and rehab consistency.
Frequency and Duration of Treatment:
Suggested treatment frequency is 3 times per week for the first 2 weeks, then tapering to twice a week for 2-3 weeks, followed by once a week as symptoms improve. Planned duration is approximately 6-8 weeks, with periodic re-evaluation.
Goals of Treatment:
Short-term goals: Reduce pain to <3/10, improve sitting tolerance to 60 minutes, and restore pain-free bending. Long-term goals: Return to playing football, prevent future episodes, and improve overall spinal health.
Self-care Recommendations:
Home exercises: Cat-cow stretch, pelvic tilts, gentle lumbar rotations. Posture changes: Advised on ergonomic setup for desk job, regular movement breaks. Sleep advice: Recommended sleeping on side with pillow between knees or on back with pillow under knees. Load management instructions: Education on proper lifting mechanics and avoiding prolonged static postures.
Referrals:
Considering referral for imaging (X-ray) if no significant improvement after 2 weeks of care, or if new red flags emerge.
Intervention / Actions:
Treatment Provided:
Diversified adjustments to L4/L5, L5/S1, and left SI joint. Myofascial release to lumbar paraspinals and left gluteal muscles.
Details of Interventions:
Supine diversified adjustment to L5/S1 (left side). Side posture adjustment to L4/L5 (left side). Supine drop-piece adjustment for left SI joint. Deep tissue massage to left gluteus medius and piriformis.
Patient Response to Treatment:
Patient reported immediate reduction in sharp pain by approximately 30% after adjustments. Noted increased ease of movement in lumbar flexion and rotation, though still some residual stiffness.
Patient Education:
Information shared on ergonomics for his desk job, importance of consistent home exercises, realistic recovery expectations for acute low back pain, and strategies for preventive care including regular exercise and proper lifting techniques.
Family and Social Information:
Discussed the importance of partner's support in encouraging home exercises and activity modification.
Upcoming Events:
Patient mentioned a family holiday in 3 weeks, aiming for significant improvement by then.
Referral Path:
Referred by a friend, "Dr. Thomas Kelly", who is also a patient at the clinic.
Clothing Instructions:
Advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing for future visits to facilitate examination and treatment.
Follow-up and Continued Care:
Next session scheduled for 1 November 2024 at 10:00 AM. Plan to re-evaluate symptoms and continue with adjustments and soft tissue work, progressively introducing more advanced exercises.
Patient Concerns and Preferences:
Patient expressed concern about the pain returning and preferred gentle adjustment techniques, which were accommodated. No specific contraindications or sensitivities noted.
Alterations to Plan:
Initially, planned for a more aggressive treatment approach, but scaled back slightly based on patient's preference for gentle techniques and his acute presentation.
Focus for Next Appointment:
Primary focus will be on further reducing lumbar pain, improving range of motion, and initiating core strengthening exercises.
Internal Referrals:
Considering internal referral to the clinic's biokineticist for more structured exercise rehabilitation once acute pain has settled.
Subjective:
Current Symptoms:
[Description of the current symptoms] (Describe the patient's current symptoms in detail, including onset, duration, and characteristics of pain or discomfort. Note the location, type, and whether the pain radiates. Include details about what increases or decreases the pain. Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Started [start date or event], due to [triggering factor].
- Since onset: [describe symptom progression since onset].
- Pain is located at [location], is [character of pain] in character, does not radiate / radiates to [radiation location].
- Pain increased by: [factors increasing pain].
- Pain decreased by: [factors decreasing pain].
Review of Systems:
- Bowel & Bladder: [describe any changes or abnormalities].
- Numbness: [areas affected, onset, duration, aggravating/relieving positions].
- Weakness: [location and functional impact].
- P&N's: [pins and needles distribution, duration, triggers].
- SOB (shortness of breath): [include triggers, frequency, and severity].
- Headaches: [frequency, location, intensity, associated symptoms].
- Dizziness: [timing, triggers, duration].
(Note any other relevant systems if mentioned in transcript or context.)
History of Present Illness:
[Patient’s history related to current issue, including prior episodes, intensity, and context.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Previous episodes: [when, how often, context].
- First episode: [timing, presentation].
- At its worst: [severity and functional impact].
- Stressors: [emotional, work-related, or contextual factors].
- Family situation: [living arrangements, dependents, support system].
Past Medical and Surgical History:
[Musculoskeletal, spine, or joint conditions and surgeries] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Previous treatments: [e.g. physio, chiro, meds].
- Previous diagnoses: [formal diagnoses, if known].
- Scan/MRI/X-ray results: [relevant imaging].
- Pregnancy history: [number of births, birth type].
Lifestyle Factors:
[Lifestyle habits relevant to health and MSK load] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Working conditions: [seated/standing, repetitive movements, load handling].
- Activity limitations: [activities unable to perform that are meaningful to the patient].
Current Medications:
[Name, dose, frequency, route of medications or supplements] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Family History:
[Family history of MSK, spinal, or systemic conditions] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Red Flags:
[Include any red flags: unexplained weight loss, fever, trauma, history of cancer, neurological symptoms, night sweats, DVT history, etc.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
The Why – Goal of Care:
[Patient’s stated goals for care or activities affected by their condition, such as work, home tasks, caregiving, or exercise.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Objective:
Assessment of Neurological Function:
[Document reflexes, sensory testing, dermatomes, motor strength, coordination, dizziness or balance impairments] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Vitals:
[Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Physical Examination Findings:
[Findings from general movement, posture, and specific SFMA-based or chiropractic functional assessments] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Cx flexion:
- Cx extension:
- Cx rotation L:
- Cx rotation R:
- GH pattern 1 (IntRot, extension) L:
- GH pattern 1 (IntRot, extension) R:
- GH pattern 2 (ExtRot, flexion) L:
- GH pattern 2 (ExtRot, flexion) R:
- MS flexion:
- MS extension:
- MS rotation L:
- MS rotation R:
- Single leg balance L:
- Single leg balance R:
- Deep squat:
- Gait analysis:
Results of Diagnostic Tests:
[Summarise any reviewed imaging or diagnostic test findings relevant to case] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Initial Thoughts, Diagnosis, and Plan:
Initial Thoughts:
[Functional diagnosis or chiropractic impression based on clinical assessment] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
[Areas identified for chiropractic adjustment or mobilisation] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Patient Expectations:
[What the patient expects or believes is the issue and expected timeline for resolution] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Detailed Treatment Plan:
[Proposed management including chiropractic techniques, exercise rehab, mobilisation, or adjunctive tools like dry needling, taping, etc.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
- Emphasis on team effort and rehab consistency.
Frequency and Duration of Treatment:
[Suggested treatment frequency and planned duration] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Goals of Treatment:
[Short- and long-term goals, e.g. return to lifting, sitting tolerance, sport participation] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Self-care Recommendations:
[Home exercises, posture changes, sleep advice, load management instructions] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Referrals:
[Referrals for imaging, orthopaedics, physio, biokinetics, psychology, etc.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Intervention / Actions:
Treatment Provided:
[Summary of intervention during this consultation] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Details of Interventions:
[Manual therapy techniques, manipulations, soft tissue release, or other modalities used] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Patient Response to Treatment:
[Patient-reported or observed response, including improvements or sensitivity] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Patient Education:
[Information shared on ergonomics, lifestyle modifications, recovery expectations, and preventive care] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Family and Social Information:
[Patient’s family context or support network as discussed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Upcoming Events:
[Any mentioned upcoming travel, events, or sport that may affect treatment plan] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Referral Path:
[Referral source (e.g. friend, GP, physio, returning patient), or link to other clinic patients] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Clothing Instructions:
[Instructions given about appropriate clothing for future visits] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Follow-up and Continued Care:
[Details about next session, frequency, or tapering plan] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Patient Concerns and Preferences:
[Any specific concerns about therapy, preferences for technique, or sensitivity discussed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Alterations to Plan:
[Changes made to initial care plan based on new findings or patient preferences] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Focus for Next Appointment:
[Primary area or function to be re-evaluated or addressed next visit] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
Internal Referrals:
[Referral to in-house biokineticist, massage therapist, or another chiropractor] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript or context, else omit section entirely.)
(Never come up with your own patient details, assessment, plan, interventions, evaluation, and plan for continuing care – use only the transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note as a reference for the information included in your note. If any information related to a placeholder has not been explicitly mentioned in the transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, you must not state that the information has not been explicitly mentioned in your output. Just leave the relevant placeholder or section blank if not explicitly mentioned. Use as many full sentences as needed to capture all the relevant information from the transcript.)