Free practical exam guide · Dr. Akash Garg, DC
Chiropractic Boards Part IV: Practical Exam Guide
Fourteen chapters that walk through the practical exam station by station: reading films under time, running a standardized patient encounter from history to plan, and performing technique set ups by region, finishing with timed practice stations. Every chapter has original labeled diagrams, checklists, board tips, worked station cases, a glossary and a self check.
Exam OverviewImaging InterpretationCase ManagementChiropractic TechniqueStation Practice
Chapter 1 · Exam OverviewHow the Practical Exam Works and How to PrepareThe structure of the practical exam; How stations are scored; Exam day logistics and conduct; A study plan for the practical; Professionalism, communication and patient safety in every stationChapter 2 · Imaging InterpretationReading Films Under Time: Approach and Normal AnatomyA fast systematic search pattern; Normal cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiographs and their variants; Normal pelvis, hip and extremity radiographs and variants; Normal chest and abdominal film anatomy for the chiropractor; Describing and reporting under timeChapter 3 · Imaging InterpretationHigh Yield Films I: TraumaCervical trauma films; Thoracolumbar trauma films; Pars defects and spondylolisthesis; Pelvis, hip and extremity trauma films; Trauma decision making in a stationChapter 4 · Imaging InterpretationHigh Yield Films II: Arthritides, Tumors, Infection, Metabolic Disease and Soft TissueArthritides on film; Congenital anomalies and scoliosis on film; Tumors and tumor like lesions on film; Infection, hematologic, metabolic and endocrine disease on film; Soft tissue findings on spine and chest filmsChapter 5 · Case ManagementThe History in a Standardized Patient EncounterOpening the encounter; The focused history under time; Red flag and system questions that must not be skipped; Past, family, social and occupational history in brief; Summarizing and transitioning to the examChapter 6 · Case ManagementPerforming the Examination in a StationVital signs and general examination performance; Spinal orthopedic test performance; Extremity orthopedic test performance; Neurologic examination performance; Choosing which tests to performChapter 7 · Case ManagementDiagnosis, Orders and Management DecisionsForming the diagnosis in a station; Ordering imaging and laboratory tests; Management decisions; Contraindications and urgent referral scenarios; Common case management station patternsChapter 8 · Case ManagementDocumentation, Consent, Communication and ReferralThe patient note; Informed consent in practice; Report of findings and patient education; Referral letters and co management communication; Difficult conversations and professionalismChapter 9 · Chiropractic TechniqueTechnique Station Principles and ScoringWhat a technique station tests; Listings and segmental analysis for the station; Preloading, tissue pull and the thrust; Patient safety and communication during technique; Common technique station errorsChapter 10 · Chiropractic TechniqueCervical and Thoracic Set UpsUpper cervical set ups; Lower cervical set ups; Cervicothoracic junction set ups; Thoracic set ups; Rib and costal set upsChapter 11 · Chiropractic TechniqueLumbar, Pelvic and Sacroiliac Set UpsLumbar side posture set ups; Lumbar prone and flexion distraction options; Pelvic and sacroiliac listings; Sacroiliac and sacral set ups; Coccyx and pelvic special casesChapter 12 · Chiropractic TechniqueExtremity Set UpsShoulder and acromioclavicular set ups; Elbow, wrist and hand set ups; Hip set ups; Knee set ups; Ankle and foot set upsChapter 13 · Station PracticePractice Stations I: Imaging and Case Management Walk ThroughsImaging station walk throughs; Neck and head case management station walk throughs; Low back and pelvis case management station walk throughs; Extremity case management station walk throughs; Visceral and red flag case management station walk throughsChapter 14 · Station PracticePractice Stations II: Technique Walk Throughs and Final PreparationCervical and thoracic technique station walk throughs; Lumbar and pelvic technique station walk throughs; Extremity technique station walk throughs; A full mock station circuit; The week before and the day of the exam