Why Should You Avoid Gabapentin for Sciatica
February 23, 2026
How to Find the Best Chiropractor Near You in Orlando (What to Look For)
March 31, 2026
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit in Orlando, FL
If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, not knowing what happens at the first appointment is one of the most common reasons people put off care. Will it hurt? How long does it take? Do they start treating you right away? These are fair questions, and a professional chiropractor in Orlando, FL should be able to answer all of them before you even book.
At Orlando Spine and Wellness Center, the goal is to have that uncertainty gone before you walk through the door. Here is a clear picture of what your first visit actually looks like.
What Happens Before Your Appointment
Before your visit, you can complete your new patient forms online at orlandospine.com/new-patient-center. Having those ready ahead of time saves you time at the front desk and lets your doctor review your health history before you meet.
Bring your insurance card, any relevant imaging you already have (X-rays, MRI reports), and a description of your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether they have changed over time.
If you have questions about coverage before arriving, call us at (321) 234-0124, and we will help you verify your benefits.
What Happens at Check-In
When you arrive, the front desk team gets you checked in quickly. If you have not completed your forms online, you will fill them out at this point. The process covers your health history, current symptoms, medications, prior injuries, and anything relevant to your care.
No long wait, no mystery. You will know what comes next.
The Health History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will sit down with you first to go through your health history and listen to what brought you in. This part matters. Understanding the full picture, not just where it hurts, but how long it has been going on, what you have already tried, and what your daily activity looks like, is how we build care that actually addresses the root cause.
After the conversation, you will go through a physical and spinal examination. This typically includes:
- Postural assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Orthopedic and neurological testing
- Spinal palpation to identify areas of restricted movement or tenderness
Depending on your situation, we may recommend digital X-rays at the clinic or refer to outside imaging if an MRI or other study is needed.
Why Orthopedic Testing Matters
The physical exam is not just a formality. Many patients come in with pain in one location that is actually being caused by a problem somewhere else entirely. Sciatica, for example, presents as leg pain but originates in the lower back. Shoulder discomfort can sometimes be traced to a cervical disc issue. Orthopedic testing helps us locate the actual source rather than just treating where it hurts.
Both Dr. Bowerman and Dr. Carlos are Palmer-trained chiropractors with the clinical training to read those exam findings accurately. You are not getting a one-size approach. You are getting an evaluation built around what your body is actually showing.
Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Once the examination is complete, your doctor will explain what they found in plain language, not clinical shorthand. You will know what the diagnosis is, what is likely causing your pain or dysfunction, and what a treatment plan looks like.
The plan will outline which services are recommended, how many visits are likely, and what you can expect over the course of care. If spinal decompression is appropriate for a disc injury, that will be explained. If soft tissue work with the Graston technique is relevant to your condition, that gets explained too. If your recovery can benefit from exercise rehabilitation alongside adjustments, your doctor will walk you through why.
That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every first visit.
Will You Receive Treatment on the First Visit?
In most cases, yes. If the exam findings are clear and your doctor has enough information to begin care safely, treatment often starts on the same day. For some patients, especially those with complex histories or where imaging is recommended first, the first session may be primarily evaluative.
Either way, you leave with a clear diagnosis, a written treatment plan, and no surprises about what comes next.
How Long Does the First Visit Take?
Plan for 45 to 60 minutes for your first appointment. Follow-up visits are shorter, typically 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the services involved.
What About Insurance?
We work with most major insurance plans. Florida PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is accepted for patients who have been in auto accidents. Call (321) 234-0124 or visit orlandospine.com/our-insurance-policies to verify your specific coverage before you come in.
A $39 new patient special is available for first-time visitors. No referral is required to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Orlando? No. You can schedule directly with us without a referral from a primary care doctor. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes, so it is worth confirming with your insurer before your visit.
What happens at my first chiropractic visit? Your first visit includes a health history review, a physical and spinal examination, and orthopedic testing to identify the source of your pain. Based on those findings, your doctor will explain the diagnosis and outline a recommended treatment plan before beginning any care.
Is chiropractic care safe? Yes. Chiropractic is one of the safest drug-free options for musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Bowerman and Dr. Carlos are both Palmer-trained, Florida-licensed chiropractors with active professional association memberships.
Does chiropractic care hurt? Most patients feel mild soreness after the first few adjustments, similar to how muscles feel after exercise. The adjustments themselves are generally not painful. Many patients feel immediate relief after their visit.
How many sessions will I need? It depends on your condition. Acute injuries may resolve in 6 to 12 visits. Chronic conditions or disc injuries often call for a longer plan. Your doctor will outline the recommended course of care at your first visit based on exam findings.
Contact Us
We serve patients across Orlando, Kissimmee, South Orlando, Meadow Woods, Landstar, and surrounding Orange and Osceola County communities.
Orlando Spine and Wellness Center 13802 Landstar Blvd., Suite 107, Orlando, FL 32824
Call: (321) 234-0124
Email: info@orlandospine.com
Office hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 am – 6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am – 5 pm
- Friday 8 am – 1 pm
Related topics:
