FAQ's
What is Chiropractic and how does it work?
Chiropractic is a health care profession which specialises in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical dysfunction of the joints and the effects of those disorders on the nervous system and general health.
By using their hands, Chiropractors manipulate the joints of your spine where there are signs of restriction. This improves mobility, relieves pain and encourages your body’s natural ability to heal itself. ‘Adjustments’ or ‘manipulation’ lets your body work on healing itself and improving your health. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or use surgical procedures.
Once you are feeling better, Chiropractors may also prescribe rehabilitation programmes that include exercise and lifestyle advice to help you maintain your health in the future.
Who has Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone, including new born babies, children, the elderly, pregnant women and sports enthusiasts.
How safe is it?
Chiropractic is extremely safe when carried out by a properly qualified doctor of Chiropractic. Research indicates that the risks associated with chiropractic manipulation are far fewer than those caused by the long term use of pain killing drugs. Research also shows that chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment available for a wide array of nerve, spine and muscle associated problems through out the body. When treatment is offered, we will inform you of any possible risks and discuss with you any concerns that you may have. We will not start treatment until you are satisfied that you fully understand your particular condition and the treatment program prescribed for you.
Will I need an X-ray?
Any decision to take X-rays will be made in the Initial Consultation with you. The Chiropractor will weigh the risks against the benefits and advise you accordingly. Typical circumstances where an X-ray may be necessary are recent injuries, older patients whose bone structure may have altered over time, unusual examination findings or a history of serious diseases.
All of our Chiropractors are trained to take and read X-rays and each of our clinics has modern digital X-ray equipment.
Ownership of X-ray films Patients are kindly asked to note that any X-rays or MRI scans taken or ordered by your Chiropractor must be retained by the chiropractor as part of your health record for a period of 8 years after the date of your last visit. This is one of the requirements of the Code of Practice published by the General Chiropractic Council, which is the statutory regulator for Chiropractors in the UK.
There may be occasions when you want another health professional to look at your X-rays. In these circumstances your Chiropractor will be willing to release them to you or (with your consent) to your health professional of choice, on the clear understanding that any films will be returned to your Chiropractor.
Under the Data Protection Act, you are entitled to a copy of your health record, including your X-rays, and your Chiropractor may make a reasonable charge for the copy (the maximum charge that can be made is £50).
Does it hurt?
Generally chiropractic treatment doesn’t hurt when performed by a qualified chiropractor. If acute muscle spasm is present in the area to be treated there may be some short-term discomfort. If your problem has been untreated for a while then you may experience some post-treatment soreness. You will be given advice to minimise this and this will soon pass as your body begins to adjust. Your Chiropractor will always use the most appropriate technique to minimise discomfort and will give you advice on how to help yourself at home.
How soon will I feel better?
This will depend on the individual problem, how long you've had it, how bad it is and how many areas and tissues are affected. Whilst every patient reacts differently, your Chiropractor will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. Often, the longer you have suffered with the condition, the longer it may take to see improvement. Your Chiropractor will discuss this with you when he/she tells you of your prognosis for recovery.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments you require depends on several factors: Your specific health problem, how long you've had it, how severe it is, how many areas and tissues are affected. Your individual treatment plan will be determined during your initial consultation and explained to you.
In general, we tend to treat people more frequently at the beginning of their treatment plan in order to help them get better as quickly as possible. As the patient is able to follow our advice more closely, we usually reduce the frequency of the treatment particularly once the patient is able to take a more active role in the management of their condition.
There is no doubt that many patients benefit from regular chiropractic care at intervals of time that may vary, depending on factors such as the condition for which they are being treated, the type of work they do and other activities that they engage in.
Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?
Chiropractic treatment is suitable and safe throughout pregnancy. Your Chiropractor will use safe, often gentle techniques that are suitable for your condition. Chiropractic care can help with common problems associated with pregnancy such as pain in the back, pelvis and rib cage, and it can make labour easier through the balancing effect it has on the joints and ligaments.
Can sport performance be improved?
Many patients have found significant improvement in their sports performance by being injury free. If you've had a sports injury, your Chiropractor can help you recover quicker, with less pain and with minimal resultant dysfunction. More importantly a trained Chiropractor can uncover underlying dysfunction, correct it and advise you on how you can stop it recurring. Many sportsmen simply wish to maintain their good health and prevent any future problems with our help and advice.
Can I claim on my Health Insurance Policy?
Many health insurance companies now recognise the benefits that Chiropractic treatment can offer their members. It is best to speak to your provider before you make your first appointment to check that your policy covers you. If you have a policy with either BUPA or AXA PPP, then please make this clear when you make your appointment. Chiro Health has arrangements with BUPA and AXA PPP whereby we can claim directly for your treatments. Please ensure you have a referral from your GP and your membership and authorisation number with you on your first visit. If you have a policy with any other provider then we ask you to pay for your treatment and claim directly from your insurance company. We will be happy to provide the necessary paperwork for your claim.
Will my Doctor approve?
Increasingly, GP’s are recognising chiropractic as and effective treatment, particularly for back pain and other musculo-skeletal conditions. In fact, guidelines from The Royal College of General Practitioners recommend considering manipulation for certain types of back pain. You do not need a GP’s referral to visit a Chiropractor.