At your first chiropractic visit, you’ll fill out intake forms, go over your health history and symptoms with the provider, and have a physical exam that usually includes posture, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests. The provider then explains what they found, whether chiropractic care is a good fit, and what a treatment plan could look like. Treatment may start the same day, or your provider may first order imaging or testing, or refer you for medical care if something needs to be ruled out.
If you were hurt in a car accident or at work, your first visit also covers the paperwork your claim needs. Here’s what to expect, step by step, at East Coast Injury Clinic in Jacksonville.
Key Facts
- A first chiropractic visit usually includes a health history, a physical exam with orthopedic and neurological tests, and a discussion of findings and options.
- After a car accident in Florida, PIP pays only if you receive initial care within 14 days of the crash.
- A chiropractor can provide your initial care within the PIP window, but can’t make the Emergency Medical Condition finding; only an MD, DO, PA, APRN or dentist can.
- At East Coast Injury Clinic, our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit.
Before Your Visit
When you call (904) 513-3954 to book, our front desk asks what happened and how you’ll be covering care, then verifies your coverage before you arrive. After a car accident, try to be seen promptly: Florida PIP requires initial care within 14 days of the crash. For a work injury, have your claim number and adjuster’s contact information ready so we can request authorization from the carrier.
Step by Step: Your First Visit
1. Check-in and intake forms
You’ll complete forms about your symptoms, health history, medications and how the injury happened. Arriving a little early gives you time to finish them without rushing.
2. Health history and symptoms
Your provider asks where it hurts, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects work, sleep and driving. Numbness, tingling, weakness, headaches or dizziness are important to mention, even if they seem minor.
3. Physical and neurological exam
The exam usually includes posture and range of motion, gentle palpation of the spine and muscles, orthopedic tests, and a neurological screen of reflexes, sensation and strength. It’s also a safety check: the provider looks for signs that you need medical care first, such as a possible fracture or nerve compression.
4. Imaging or testing, if needed
Not everyone needs imaging. If your history or exam calls for it, your provider may recommend X-rays, an MRI by referral, or testing such as EMG and nerve conduction studies for numbness or weakness, or VNG for dizziness. Some tests are scheduled for a later visit.
5. Findings and your treatment plan
Your provider explains what they found in plain language, whether chiropractic care is appropriate, what else might help (such as physical therapy or a medical evaluation), how often you might come in, and how progress will be measured. This is the time to ask questions.
6. Your first treatment, if appropriate
If treatment starts the same day, it may include a hands-on adjustment using the Diversified Technique, a low-force instrument adjustment using the Activator Method, soft tissue work and a few home exercises. You can ask for a gentler approach or decline any part of treatment.
What’s Different for Injury Patients
East Coast Injury Clinic is an injury clinic, so first visits after a car accident or work injury include the details your claim depends on: how the injury happened, when symptoms started and how they affect daily life. Your chiropractic care is coordinated with our medical providers, physical therapists and chiropractic neurologists, so you aren’t sent to separate offices for each piece.
Crash injuries are a common reason for a first visit in Jacksonville. Duval County recorded 23,013 crashes and 15,480 injuries in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). If you were in one, bring your crash report number, and plan your first visit within 14 days of the accident, since Florida PIP pays medical benefits only if initial care starts in that window. Our post on the Florida PIP 14-day rule after a crash explains what counts as initial care.
After Your First Adjustment
Some people feel looser or less sore right away; others feel mild soreness or stiffness for a day or so, similar to after exercise. Call us if pain gets significantly worse, and seek emergency care for new weakness, numbness in the groin area, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Preparing for Your First Visit
What to Bring
- A photo ID and your health insurance card
- After a car accident: your auto insurance information, the claim number and adjuster’s contact details if you have them, and the crash report number
- After a work injury: your employer’s name, the date of injury and any claim number from the workers’ compensation carrier
- Your attorney’s contact information, if you have one
- A list of your medications and any prior surgeries or injuries
- Imaging reports or records from the ER, urgent care or another provider
What to Wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can bend and move in, such as athletic pants or shorts and a T-shirt. Your exam includes range-of-motion and neurological testing, so skip belts, heavy jewelry and restrictive clothing. If physical therapy is scheduled the same day, wear athletic shoes.
Questions You Might Ask
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- Do I need imaging or testing?
- What will treatment involve, and what are the risks?
- How will we know if it’s working, and when will you re-check me?
- What is covered, and will I owe anything?
Our Jacksonville Clinics
You can have your first visit at either clinic. The Deerwood clinic is at 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL 32256, near J. Turner Butler Blvd (JTB), I-295 and Southside Blvd, a short drive from the St. Johns Town Center area. The North Jacksonville clinic is at 13453 N Main St, Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on N Main St north of I-295. Both clinics are open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Call (904) 513-3954 or request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a first chiropractic visit take?
A first visit takes longer than a follow-up because it includes intake, a full history and an exam. Ask our front desk how much time to plan for when you book. See how long a chiropractic appointment usually lasts for more.
Will I get adjusted on my first visit?
Maybe. If the exam shows chiropractic care is appropriate and there’s no reason to wait for imaging or testing, treatment may start the same day. Your provider may also refer you for medical care first if something needs to be ruled out.
Do I need a referral for my first chiropractic visit?
Usually not. After a car accident, a chiropractor can provide your initial care within the 14-day PIP window. Some HMO plans require a referral, and workers’ comp requires carrier authorization before treatment.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most people feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Some feel mild soreness for a day or so afterward. Low-force options such as the Activator Method are available if you prefer a gentler approach.
What should I wear to a chiropractor?
Loose, comfortable clothing you can bend and move in, such as athletic pants or shorts and a T-shirt. Skip belts and heavy jewelry, and wear athletic shoes if physical therapy is scheduled the same day.
What should I bring to my first visit after a car accident?
Bring your ID, auto insurance information, claim number and adjuster’s contact details if you have them, the crash report number, your attorney’s contact information if you have one, a medication list and any ER or imaging records.
Will I need an X-ray at my first visit?
Not always. Imaging is recommended when your history or exam calls for it, for example after significant trauma or with certain neurological findings. Your provider will explain why if they recommend it.
