Your Questions Answered

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic specialises in mechanical disorders of joints, particularly those of the spine, and their effects on the nervous and muscular system. It is now State Registered and is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry.

What do Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors treat an enormous range of conditions including:

     Back pain

     Sciatica

     Headaches and migraine

     Neck, shoulder and arm pain

     Sports injuries

     Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

     and many other joint, muscle or nerve disorders.

How does it work?

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.

What is the clicking noise of the adjustment?

During Chiropractic adjustment there is a change of pressure within the joint fluid leading to a painless 'clicking' noise.

Will treatment hurt?

Manipulation, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, is not painful. If you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some discomfort. Sometimes, if you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust. Your Chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen and will advise of self-help remedies in between treatments.

Is Chiropractic safe? (even if I've had surgery?)

Yes, Chiropractic is  very safe when treatment is carried out by a properly qualified practitioner. Your Chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere, and can treat you even after surgery.

How long does Chiropractic 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, after which the Chiropractor will be able to make their diagnosis, and then discuss a treatment programme with you.

Will I need an X-ray or MRI?

X-rays or MRI Scans are only taken when clinically necessary. Chiropractors are fully trained to take and read X-rays and are trained in the reading of Spinal MRI films.

Who do Chiropractors treat?

The treatment is suitable for people of all ages, including babies, pregnant women and the elderly.

Are all patients adjusted in the same way?

No. Your treatment programme will be tailored to your specific needs.

What will I wear?

 You will be offered a cotton gown to go over your underwear and then a dressing gown over the top. If you prefer you can wear loose clothing like sports kit or a track suit. 

How long will it take to get better?

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 which your Chiropractor may recommend.

How often do I need to come for treatment?

An average course of treatment may entail five or six visits over two or three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. Discuss this with your Chiropractor, who will explain your treatment programme to you.

Why should I return if I'm feeling fine?

The initial treatment should reduce or resolve your pain, however good spinal 'maintenance' care is highly effective at improving quality of life and preventing injuries. Many top athletes including Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and Steve Cram make use of Chiropractic maintenance (also known as wellness care) as part of their daily support.

Can I adjust myself?

Is there anything wrong with me 'cracking my neck or back myself'? You must not adjust yourself. You cannot properly control an adjustment to yourself and your relief may only be temporary. If you feel you want to 'crack' your joints, it is because you need an adjustment. Consult your Chiropractor!

Should I bring my family  for Chiropractic checks?

Yes, the strength of Chiropractic is that it 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.

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, G.P's 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 get treatment on the NHS?

Some GP's  are able to purchase Chiropractic treatment for their patients on the NHS. You will need to speak to your GP about this. Many health companies will now pay for Chiropractic treatment.

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.

How are Chiropractors trained and qualified?

It takes at least four years of full-time study to become a Chiropractor at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) or Glamorgan University, which offer a BSc degree.

The courses are followed by a post-graduate year spent on the BCA's Pre-Registration Training Scheme (PRTS), which students spend in a Chiropractic clinic with the support of a qualified Trainer. Upon successful completion of the PRTS the student may be admitted onto the State Register.

Only Chiropractors trained at the accredited colleges can become members of the  British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the largest association for the profession in the UK, established since 1925, and now represents over 800 UK chiropractors.

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.

Is there scientific proof that Chiropractic works?

Particularly for low back pain, yes. The clinical Standards Advisory Group recommended in 1994 that there should be earlier access to the manipulative therapies and a redistribution  of resources within the NHS to make this happen. In September 1996 the Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines which recommended manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain.  

Now research is beginning to concentrate on how Chiropractic affects other areas of the musculo-skeletal system. Many Chiropractors regularly report success in treating babies with colic, cases of asthma and high blood pressure, digestive complaints, period pains and many other conditions which are not directly related to the spine and joints. As a result, researchers all over the world, including the Anglo European College of Chiropractic are also investigating the effect Chiropractic has on pain and disease in the organs of the body.