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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my
doctor approve?
Increasingly, GPs are recognising chiropractic
as an effective complementary treatment,
particularly for back pain. However, some are
less keen to refer patients to chiropractors.
You do not need a GP's referral to visit a
chiropractor.
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Can I get
treatment on the NHS?
Some GPs are able to purchase chiropractic
treatment for their patients on the NHS. Many
health insurance companies will now pay for
chiropractic treatment.
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How long does
treatment take?
The first consultation takes, on average, about
half an hour, and a treatment session about 15
minutes, but this will vary according to your
condition and your needs.
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What happens
during a consultation?
Your chiropractor will begin your first
consultation by taking a full case history. Then
you will be given standard orthopaedic and
neurological tests and the movement of your
spine and joints will be checked. If X-rays are
necessary to assist the diagnosis, some
practitioners will use their own, fully
certified and maintained equipment; others ,like
us, will use the facilities of the local
hospital. Chiropractors are trained and
qualified to take and interpret X-rays.
If your chiropractor identifies an underlying
condition for which other treatment is
appropriate, you will be referred to your GP or
another specialist without delay. Chiropractic
can, however, be very helpful in providing
additional relief even for conditions such as
these.
As well as using manipulation, your chiropractor
may use ice or heat treatment, as well as other
techniques, having explained exactly how they
work.
Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or use
surgical procedures.
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How long will
it take to get better?
Your recovery is dependent 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.
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How often do
I need to come for treatment?
An average course of treatment may entail five
or six visits over two or three months, but
every case is assessed individually. It is
important to keep your appointments and make
regular visits. Discuss this with your
chiropractor, who will explain your treatment
programme to you.
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For whom is
Chiropractic suitable?
Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone,
including newborn babies, the elderly, pregnant
women and sports enthusiasts. Once you are
better, your chiropractor will help you to
maintain your own health, and keep your body
working as it should, by offering exercise and
lifestyle advice for you to follow in the
future.
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What is the
popping noise of the adjustment?
When the two surfaces of a joint are moved apart
rapidly, as happens in a chiropractic
adjustment, there is a change of pressure within
the joint space. This may sometimes cause a
bubble of gas to 'pop' - but this sound is not
significant, and does not hurt.
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Have I got a
"trapped nerve" or "slipped disc"?
These are common, general terms used to describe
a multitude of conditions. Your Chiropractor
will make a more specific diagnosis and explain
your condition to you.
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Will
treatment hurt?
Manipulation, when carried out correctly 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.
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Are all
patients adjusted in the same way?
No. Your treatment programme will be tailored to
your specific needs.
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Should I
bring my family for Chiropractic checks?
Yes. The strength of Chiropractic is that it can
help prevent discomfort, pain and even disease,
and is suitable for everyone. It is entirely
appropriate to visit a Chiropractor even if you
have no pain, as restrictions in movement can
often be detected before symptoms appear.
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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.
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Is
Chiropractic treatment safe, even if I've
already had surgery?
Chiropractic is remarkably 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.
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Why should I
return if I'm feeling fine?
Your chiropractor has treated you, so allowing
your body to heal, but if you continue the
lifestyle which caused the original condition,
regular treatment should also continue.
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Can I adjust
myself?
Is there anything wrong with me 'cracking ' my
neck or back myself?
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!
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What is the
British Chiropractic Association?
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is
the largest and longest-established association
for Chiropractors in the UK, representing 70% of
internationally accredited UK Chiropractors. The
BCA aims to promote, encourage and maintain high
standards of conduct, practice, education and
training within the profession in this country.
All its members have undergone a minimum of a
four-year full-time internationally-accredited
degree course and are registered with the
General Chiropractic Council, the UK's
statutory regulator for the profession.
For more information visit the
BCA Website.
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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 for GPs which
recommend manipulative treatment within the
first six weeks for patients with low back pain.
They also state that the risks of manipulation
are very low in skilled hands.
Now research is beginning to concentrate on how
chiropractic affects other areas of the musculo-skeletal
system, including a trial at the University of
Odense in Denmark 1
on the effect of spinal manipulation in the
treatment of neck-related headache and a
Canadian patient satisfaction study
2 which shows
chiropractic as an effective means of resolving
or improving back and/or neck pain.
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References:
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Nilsson
N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J, The Effect
of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of
Cervicogenic Headache, J Manipulative
Physiol Ther 1997; 20:326-330
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Verhoef
MJ, Page SA, Waddell SC, The Chiropractic
Outcome Study: Pain, Functional Ability and
Satisfaction with Care, J Manipulative
Physiol Ther 1997, 20(4):235-240
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