FAQs & What is Chiropractic?

Offering you a helping hand

Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of mechanical treatment of the spine and joints.

Chiropractic is defined as the British Chiropractic Association as a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body. Treatment consists of a wide range of techniques to improve the function of joints and muscles, relieving pain and muscle spasm. Chiropractic does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.

In common with medicine and dentistry the Chiropractic profession is statutorily regulated by law (Chiropractors Act - 1994). The title ‘Chiropractor’ is protected under this legislation and it is illegal for someone to practise as a Chiropractor without being registered. All of the Chiropractors at this Centre are registered with the General Chiropractic Council and are Members of the British Chiropractic Association.

Chiropractors are highly trained primary contact health care professionals. Your Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to diagnose and know when it is appropriate and not appropriate to treat patients. Chiropractors are also required by law to undertake Continuing Professional Development in order to stay abreast of current advances in research and patient care. The Chiropractors at this Centre have successfully completed a 5 year degree and an additional postgraduate year of training.

 

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be referred to a Chiropractor by my GP?

No - although many local GP and Consultants do refer patients to our Centre for treatment Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals and so are trained to diagnose your problem and know when it is appropriate to treat and when not treat you. If Chiropractic treatment is not suitable for you, you will be referred to the appropriate healthcare professional such as your GP or Consultant.

Q: Will I be sore after treatment?

Generally Chiropractic treatment is painless, although initially there may be some short term minor discomfort which passes quickly for most patients. You will normally find that subsequent treatments are more pleasant as your symptoms improve.

Q: Will I need to have an x-ray?

Most back problems do not show up on x-ray and in fact are better diagnosed with a thorough spinal examination (including orthopaedic and neurological tests) and other diagnostic imaging such as MRI scans. Unfortunately some patients can believe that they are getting good care if they are sent for x-rays however practitioners who routinely x-ray every patient are not in keeping with the accepted scientific evidence and national guidelines. Sometime x-rays are important to your treatment and if this is the case your Chiropractor will discuss this with you. At this centre we do not routinely x-ray every patient.