Question 1

I'm in pain now, what can I do?"

Accepted Answer

Stay Calm.  In the majority of cases even severe back pain is due to simple mechanical fault causing protective muscle spasm.  Only rarely does a quick onset severe pain indicate severe injury or disease.  Chiropractors are trained to assess and diagnose the cause of your pain and will be able to advise you on your treatment options.
 
  Listen to your body, avoid doing things that aggrevate the pain but do not stop moving all together or you will seize up.
 
Book in!  The sooner you are seen the quicker the exact nature of your problem will be identified and the sooner treatment can begin and your pain start to be eased.  Being open 5 days a week with flexible working hours I aim to see all new patients within 48 hours.

Question 2

How many visits will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies from person to person and depends on a number of factors such as type and chronicity of problem, general health and fitness level, responsiveness to treatment and adherence to any recomended self care advice.  NICE* guidelines recommend 9 sessions over a 12 week period in a case of simple uncomplicated lower back pain.
 
*NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Question 3

Will it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic adjustments are generally painless and any discomfort is momentary as it is such a quick procedure.
 
If tight muscles need to be released then some deep tissue techniques can a little more taxing but you are in control, I always aim to work within your comfort zone so will be checking in with you as I work.
 
Acupuncture is another option for tight muscles which again is relatively painless.  Needle phobic? No problem!  I am a strong believer in getting you involved in your treatment and if you don't like a particular approach there are always alternatives.

Question 4

Should I use ice or heat to ease my pain?

Accepted Answer

This actually depends on the type of injury, tissues involved and how long you have had the problem.  For a recent injury involving the joints of the spine such as that which causes back or neck pain (especially if the pain radiates down the leg or arm) there is likely to be an inflamatory process occuring within the joint involved and this will create heat.  In such cases ice is the best option because applied at the correct site it will numb the area reducing the pain you feel and if done repeatedly it will reduce the inflamation as efficiently as medication and without any of the unwanted side effects.  Chiropractors are trained to assess and diagnose the exact site of injury and therefore able to tell you exactly where and when to apply ice, how often and for how long.

Question 5

What is Chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organisation (WHO), defines Chiropractic as " A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health.
 
To read more go to our page 'About Chiropractic.'

Question 6

Do you just treat the spine?

Accepted Answer

It is a common misconception that Chiropractic is only concerned with the spine.  We deal with the entire musculoskeletal system, arms, legs and pelvis included.  Basically if there is a joint we deal with it.

Question 7

Are chiropractors regulated?

Accepted Answer

The General Chiropractic council (GCC), is the regulatory body of Chiropractic and in order to use the title you have an MChiro or Msc degree in Chiropractic.

Question 8

How long is your training?

Accepted Answer

In the UK the minimum number of study years is 4 and graduates either obtain an MChiro or Msc Chiropractic degree.  Learning is life long as you can imagine and Chiropractors like other health professions have to complete number of hours training each year in order to stay of the register.

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