Move Well, Live Well

Chiropractors are concerned with the framework of bones and muscles that support the body (the ‘musculoskeletal system’). Some problems of the musculoskeletal system can be caused by accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and everyday wear and tear. These problems may cause pressure on the nerves in the body. Depending on your condition, the chiropractor may manipulate parts of your spine or joints and give you advice on exercise, self help, diet and lifestyle. Some chiropractors also offer rehabilitation programmes.

Manipulation (also known as adjustment) involves precisely handling or moving joints, or parts of the spine, sometimes moving them further than they would normally move.

Chiropractic treatment is mostly painless unless an area is inflamed (swollen). If this is the case your chiropractor will alter the treatment. Don’t worry if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being manipulated – this is perfectly normal with this kind of treatment.

Some patients have mild reactions such as temporary aches and pains after their spine or joints have been manipulated or after exercising.

It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment.

Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor.

Before your treatment starts, your chiropractor should explain to you clearly:

What they found in the examination, the treatment plan they propose, the benefits and any significant risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.

Your chiropractor will tell you how much you will have to pay for the course of treatment.

You can ask your chiropractor as many questions as you feel you need, to be sure you understand what you have been told. Your chiropractor will then ask you to give your permission for treatment (also called ‘consent’).

Your first visit to a chiropractor will normally last one hour. During this time, the chiropractor:

Will take a full case history; may ask you to remove some of your clothes and will provide privacy for you to do so. Tell your chiropractor if you are uncomfortable about this. If you are asked to undress, you will be offered a gown.

Will ask for permission to give you a thorough physical examination. This will include neurological and orthopedic tests. If required, I will recommend that you visit your GP to organise an X-Ray.

A chiropractor’s first concern is to find out what is wrong. They will also check for signs of any serious conditions for which you would need to go to your GP or to hospital.

This will depend on:

• Your condition
• How severe it is
• How long you have had the condition
• How you respond to treatment
• How much of your chiropractor’s advice you follow.

After your first examination and diagnosis, how long any further visits last will depend on your condition and the treatment you need. The chiropractor will review your progress regularly and you will be asked to give your consent to any changes to your treatment plan. They will discuss carrying out further investigations or referring you to your GP if your condition does not improve.