Chiropractic

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine. (British Chiropractic Association).

• The third-largest primary healthcare profession after medicine and dentistry and one of the largest drug-free healing professions in the world
• A complimentary, natural approach to healthcare
• Safe and effective for people of all ages
• Deemed the number one choice for treating lower back pain over drugs, therapy and surgery

What does treatment involve?

Chiropractors locate misalignments in the spine that lead to the malfunction of joints and nervous tissue. Most conditions are treated with chiropractic adjustments, a form of manual therapy which is a safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly.

Chiropractors also use a number of other techniques such as exercises, massage, heat and ice, acupuncture, and ultrasound, as well as offering advice about posture, gait and lifestyle. Many patients are given stretches and exercises to do at home. These will often play an active and important role in their treatment and aid quicker, long-term, recovery.

What to expect at your initial consultation

Your chiropractor will take a full history of your complaint alongside a comprehensive review of your medical history and lifestyle. Once this is done your chiropractor will examine you to identify the root cause of your complaint. This will involve a physical examination of your spine and muscles, neurological tests as well as orthopaedic tests.

Once a diagnosis has been established your chiropractor will give you a report of findings to explain the root cause of your pain and how best to treat you. Your chiropractor will explain your advised treatment plan including how many treatments you are likely to require and over what time frame, as well as which treatment methods are most appropriate for you.

In the majority of cases, you will be treated on your first visit. If on the rare occasion you are not suitable for chiropractic care, or you require imaging or special testing; you will be referred to the correct facility.

The length of treatment required can vary depending on the severity and how recently the complaint started. The likely length of treatment will be discussed with you on your first visit. On average most patients with a new injury require around 5 or 6 treatments spread over 2-3 weeks. However, each complaint is different and your treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific condition. If the treatment plan discussed on your first visit is followed, most people will see a full resolution of their symptoms. Patients with long term, recurring and chronic conditions often benefit from maintenance care and this will also be discussed with you on your first visit.

Who can have chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic care is suitable for people of all ages; from babies to people in their 90s, to heavily pregnant women. Treatment is adjusted accordingly. You do not require a GP referral to see a chiropractor.