Anyone who’d like to operate a commercial vehicle must first take a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Exams are valid for up to two years and must be carried out by a licensed medical examiner from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. Examiners include doctors of osteopathy, chiropractic, and medicine. However, before you schedule an appointment with your chiropractor and other professionals, it’s important to have a sense of what’s involved so you can come prepared.

Health History Details

The first part of a DOT physical is paperwork. Expect to fill out a form featuring questions about your health history, such as experiences with loss of hearing, neurological disorders, seizures, vision impairment, heart disease, heart attacks, dizziness, fainting, kidney disease, and paralysis. Other conditions you will need to disclose include digestive problems, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and psychiatric disorders. You must also be honest about any chronic pain you currently experience.

Urinalysis 

Be prepared to come with a full bladder (drink plenty of water) for a urinalysis at the time of your physical.

The Physical

Your DOT physical includes assessing for skin and other bodily issues, as well as examining your eyes, mouth, throat, and ears. You can also expect vision and neurological tests, spinal examinations by your chiropractor, and pulse and blood pressure reviews. Further, a doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, and they will check the abdomen for pain and abnormalities

Schedule your DOT physical with a chiropractor at Gateway Chiropractic Center in Crossville, TN, to get started on your career. The team offers an array of services, from these exams to chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. Call (931) 484-3135 to schedule an appointment today, or visit the website to learn more about their options.