Differential diagnosis and management for the chiropractor: protocols and algorithms

Part I. Musculoskeletal complaints. General approach to musculoskeletal complaints

Neck and neck/arm complaints

Temporomandibular complaints

Thoracic spine complaints

Scoliosis

Lumbopelvic complaints

Shoulder girdle complaints

Elbow complaints

Wrist and forearm complaints

Finger and thumb complaints

Hip, groin, and thigh complaints

Knee complaints

Lower leg complaints

Foot and ankle complaints

Part II. Neurologic complaints. Weakness

Numbness, tingling, and pain

Headache

Dizziness

Seizures

Part III. General concerns. Depression

Fatigue

Fever

Sleep and related complaints

Hypertension

Lower leg swelling

Lymphadenopathy

Skin problems

Weight loss

Weight gain/obesity

Osteoporosis

Part IV. Gastrointestinal complaints. Abdominal pain

Constipation

Diarrhea

Part V. Genitourinary complaints. Urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction

Enuresis

Vaginal bleeding

Part VI. Cardiopulmonary complaints. Syncope/presyncope

Chest pain

Palpitations

Dyspnea

Cough

Part VII. Head and face complaints. Eye complaints

Facial pain

Ear pain

Hearing loss

Tinnitus

Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

Sore throat

Part VIII. Special conditions. Diabetes mellitus

Thyroid dysfunction

Hyperlipidemia

Anemia

Part IX. Special patient groups. The pediatric/adolescent patient

The geriatric patient

The female patient

Appendix A. How to incorporate literature evidence into practice

Appendix B. Pharmacology for the chiropractor: How medications may affect patient presentation and medication outcomes.