Nine questions to ask before a care plan begins

Published July 28, 2026 by Portsmouth Accident & Injury Center.

The questions

The NCCIH overview of spinal manipulation(opens in a new tab) is a reasonable place to start if you want background before the conversation.

1. Question 1What did the history and examination show?
2. Question 2What is the goal of the proposed care?
3. Question 3What alternatives exist, including referral or no care today?
4. Question 4What common short-term effects and material risks should I understand?
5. Question 5Which symptom or activity will we track?
6. Question 6When will the plan be reassessed?
7. Question 7What would cause you to stop, change, or refer?
8. Question 8Why does this visit frequency fit these findings?
9. Question 9What billing and record-sharing terms should I understand?

You may ask for time to decide

“I want time to think.” Informed choice is not a race.

The office may recommend another provider

“This belongs with another provider.” Scope is part of care.

Next steps nearby: read what a reassessment should actually reassess. See what a first visit involves, or ask the Portsmouth office a question.

Compare the plan with the findings

Each part of the plan should tie to something found in the history or exam. Ask which daily task the office will track. Ask what change would mean the plan should keep going, change, pause, or end.

A good plan can include a medical check, imaging, another referral, or no chiropractic care at all. A clear reason beats a fixed visit count set before the exam.

Related Portsmouth pages: everyday chiropractic care overview. Also see answer about visit frequency after a crash.