What is Chiropractic?
What is Chiropractic?
It is a healthcare profession that utilises a natural, conservative, hands-on approach to treat conditions associated with the neuro-musculoskeletal system, without relying on drugs or surgery.
There is a scientific and logical basis for chiropractic. Just as a mechanic looks for the root cause of an engine failure we look for the root cause of your pain or dysfunction.
With this understanding, you can see how chiropractic fits in with other healthcare specialties to provide an integrated approach to treating neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.
We try to establish the root cause of your issues; this is why each session is tailor-made to your needs.
What will happen during the exam?
- Your chiropractor will take a complete history on your present complaint and past illness
- You will also be asked about family history, other treatments you have received, your job and other questions in order to determine the nature of your discomfort
- An examination will be performed to detect the nature of your complaint
- After taking a history and completing the examination, the chiropractor will determine if Chiropractic care is right for you. If you have signs or symptoms that warrant investigation or a different healthcare professional then we will refer you to them immediately
- If you are suitable for care and have a musculoskeletal issue then we will usually treat you immediately
The Anatomy
The spine functions to protect the spinal cord which sends out nerve branches that send and receive signals for every cell in the body. The spine also functions to provide support and structure to the body.
The Chiropractor sees the spine as a series of motor units, each called a spinal joint complex. Each joint complex is composed of 2 vertebra, a disc between, the ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood vessels and nerves.
The Chiropractors' primary goal is to restore motion to a fixated (abnormally locked) joint & to reduce the tension/spasm in surrounding muscles.
They also look at the way the body moves and functions naturally to assess if there are abnormal movement patterns that have been adopted or bad behaviours that have led to the current condition of the spine and surrounding musculature.
It's Not Just All About Backs!
Our clinics treat a variety of conditions. Please see the treatments page for a detailed list.
How Does it Work?
Chiropractic is a primary contact health profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves and the effects of these problems on the function of the nervous system and general health.
Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, they use their hands to make gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to improve mobility of the joints, efficiency of the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.
A Regulated Profession
In common with medical practitioners and dentists, all chiropractors are registered by law under the Chiropractors Act 1994 and the title 'Chiropractor' is protected under this legislation. The profession is statutorily regulated through the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and it is illegal to practise as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.
All our chiropractors are members of the British Chiropractic Association and are registered with the GCC.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) - often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians - practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling. Please note that DC is not the same as MD which denotes a traditional medical doctor.
What Techniques Do Chiropractors Use?
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as "spinal manipulation", also called "chiropractic adjustment." The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile - or restricted in their movement - as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. "Adjustment" of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.
Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.
In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.
Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient's condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.
Please call us on 01224 211517 to book your appointment.
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T&Cs: Bookings should be made with reception by calling reception on 01224211517. Vouchers have a 60 day expiry and are non refundable. Cancellations within 48 hours will be fully chargeable.
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