What happens at my first chiropractic visit?
Your Care · answered by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician, Nevada License B-567 · About Dr. Bader · Last reviewed: July 2026
The short answer
Plan about 45 minutes: a real conversation about your history, an orthopedic and neurological examination with red-flag screening, a plain-English report of findings — what we found, what we recommend, what it costs — and, when appropriate, your first treatment the same day. Bring your insurance card or use our cash-pay intake; both forms are downloadable ahead of time.
The full picture
The sequence exists for a reason: history tells us where to look, examination tells us what's actually there, and the report of findings puts you in charge — you'll understand your problem before anyone treats it. Wear comfortable clothes; nothing here requires a gown.
Downloading the intake paperwork ahead (New Patient — Insurance, or New Patient — Cash, both on our First Visit page) genuinely saves 15 minutes of clipboard time.
First-visit treatment happens when the examination supports it — most of the time it does. When findings need imaging or referral first, we tell you that instead; treating before understanding isn't a service, it's a liability.
Your situation has its own specifics — a two-minute call gets you a straight answer for it: (775) 829-7575.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
Related questions
People also ask
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
Honest answer: it depends on findings — but a typical starting point for uncomplicated problems is a short trial of care (commonly 6–12 visits over 2–4 weeks per published practice guidelines) with a formal re-evaluation… Full answer →
Do I need X-rays before chiropractic care?
Not routinely — and a clinic that X-rays every new patient is telling on itself. Imaging guidelines reserve X-rays for specific findings: significant trauma, red flags, suspected fracture or pathology, or pain that isn't… Full answer →
How long until I feel better?
Many patients with acute mechanical problems notice meaningful change within the first few visits — 2 to 4 weeks is a common arc. Chronic patterns and nerve involvement (sciatica, disc problems) run longer, often 6 to 12… Full answer →
What patients say
Reno Patients, In Their Own Words
“First time here… Friendly and efficient receptionist, she explained everything in detail. I saw Dr. Bader. Listened to my areas of pain, explained many things and my first adjustment was great. He is also friendly, has good “bedside” manners. They are a hometown health provider.”
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Bader for the last 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great bedside manor. The office is very well run… Most insurance is accepted and if it’s not, the cash plan is very reasonable. Walk in’s are acceptable and same day appointments are most likely.”
“Dr Bader is a Super Chiropractor! Palmer educated.”
“They actually work on fixing your issues with adjustments and therapy and get you in and out of the office in a timely manner.”
Real patient reviews from Google and Yelp, quoted word-for-word (ellipses mark trims — nothing else is changed). Individual experiences vary — care decisions always follow an examination. Read them all — unfiltered — at the sources.
In pain right now? Acute patients get priority scheduling. Call and tell us what’s going on — same-week appointments are usually available.
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Tell Us What’s Going On
Fastest path is a call — (775) 829-7575 (Mon/Wed 9–1 & 3–6 · Tue/Thu 2–6 · Fri 9–1). Prefer to write? Send this and we’ll call you back, usually within the hour during office hours — after hours, you’re first on the morning list.
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Mon/Wed 9–1 & 3–6 · Tue/Thu 2–6 · Fri 9–1 · 294 E. Moana Lane, Suite 28 · Se Habla Español