Chiro  Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractors treat pains emanating from joints, nerves or muscles, whether it be in the spine or from other parts of the body like the shoulders, legs or arms.  Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism.  These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. It is now State Registered and is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry.

How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help remove interferences to your natural state of being healthy.  A common interference to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses.  With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. Your chiropractic doctor can help remove interferences that may be impairing normal health.  Since the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems.

What does the treatment involve?

Treatment consists of gentle manipulative techniques, known as adjustments, to restore correct function, mobility and good alignment to the joints.  As a result, nerve and muscular function will then be improved.  After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.  There are many ways to adjust the spine.  Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument (Activator) delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust.  Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure.
 

Will treatment hurt?

No. This clinic mainly adopts gentle ‘low force’ techniques.  Occasionally adjustments of a chronic or severe problem may cause transient mild discomfort, whilst your body adjust to its ‘new’ alignment.  We will tell you if this is likely to happen and will advise of self-help remedies in between treatments.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.  Chiropractic is very safe when treatment is carried out by a qualified practitioner.  Your chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere.

How long does a chiropractic appointment take?

A full new patient appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. This will include a consultation whereby the chiropractor takes a full medical history from you and then performs a thorough examination.  At the next visit, the chiropractor will give you a Report of Findings, a diagnosis and then discuss a treatment programme with you.  He will then give you your first treatment.  This appointment will also last 45 mins, but future treatment visits will only last 15 mins.

Who do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractic treatment is suitable for people of all ages.

What will I wear?

You may wear any clothing but it is advisable to wear loose fitting trousers. 

How long will it take to get better?

Each patient is assessed individually and your chiropractor will explain your treatment programme to you prior to starting.  Your recovery is dependant on many factors - the problem, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitative exercises and maintenance visits.

Why should I return if I'm feeling fine?

Your pains may be gone but the painful condition that brought you to this clinic has probably taken years to materialize, so treatments to stabilize the area may be required.  If you have a lifestyle or occupation that caused the original condition, then regular treatments should also be considered.

Should I bring my family for chiropractic checks?

Yes, chiropractic can help to prevent discomfort, pain and even disease, and is suitable for everyone. It is appropriate to visit a chiropractor even if you have no pain, as restrictions in movement can often be detected before symptoms appear.

Do I have a ‘slipped disc’?

Technically, a disc can't "slip."  The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage-type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jelly like center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending.  Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip." However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture.  This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.  While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problem.

Will my doctor approve?

In 1995 the British Medical Association concluded that patients with low back pain treated with chiropractic derive more benefit with long term satisfaction than those treated by hospitals.  Following on from this, GPs were advised in 1996 by the Royal College of General Practitioners to recommend manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain. However, you do not need a GP referral to visit a chiropractor. 

Can I help myself?

Absolutely! Recent research has indicated that patients who perform rehabilitative exercises in conjunction with their chiropractic treatment improve more quickly than those who do not.  During your treatment we will instruct you on what exercise will help your condition.

What is the difference between chiropractic and osteopathy?

There are differences in technique and approach, as well as some similarities. The important factor is that the practitioner is well qualified.  Both professions now have statutory regulation.  The Chiropractors Act received Royal Assent in July 1994. Resulting from it, the General Chiropractic Council was announced in January 1997. It is responsible for setting standards of both education and conduct within the profession, and requires all Chiropractors to be registered to practice legally in the UK.