What is Chiropractic?

The word chiropractic means “done by hand”

Chiropractic is a primary contact healthcare discipline that places its emphasis on the examination, diagnosis and management of problems and/or conditions that can affect the spine, muscles or extremity joints of the body.

Most people associate chiropractic care with just the treatment of back pain, neck pain and headaches. We go further than that by taking into consideration your overall health status before embarking on a treatment programme, in co-operation with you, the patient.

We commonly see patients with:

• Back or neck pain

• Migraine headaches

• Sporting & accidental injuries

• Whiplash related problems

• Work related aches and pains

• Limb pain, numbness and tingling

• Arthritic and other joint problems

Although specialising in the mechanical disorders of joints and muscles, particularly those of the spine, chiropractors have to take into consideration, for example, the patient’s home and work environments, sporting activities, hobbies and anything else that could have an effect on an individual’s physical and mental health.

If your condition is considered to be managed more appropriately by another health-care practitioner or your GP, we will gladly and promptly make the necessary referral.

Chiropractic is a profession that is best known for manipulation of joints.  However, it is just one of many skills chiropractors utilise in the care of patients.  

What is Chiropractic adjustment or joint manipulation?

Adjustment or joint manuplation are physical procedures used to improve ranges of motion, reduce muscle spasm and decrease pain. These procedures are just one of many therapies we use to treat or manage the wide range of injuries and muscular and skeletal problems for which people seek our advice and care. At times, mobilisation may be more appropriate than manipulation to address specific problems. Decisions on any procedure used to help you are discussed and made with each individual patient.

Are there any risks?

The therapies employed by chiropractors have fewer risks than other treatment options. Serious side effects are uncommon. Manipulation of the neck has been linked by some sources with strokes. However, there are no significant research studies to provde a causal relationship. Treatments and therapies used in chiropractic practice have been shown to be safe and effective for certain conditions. At our clinic we are happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Your well-being and safety is always our primary concern.

Will treatment hurt?

The treatments used to care for our patients generally do not hurt. As with any healthcare procedure, there are risks and benefits. These are always considered before decisions are made and any procedure will be discussed with you so that you are fully informed and can make the right decision for you.

Chiropractic Care and Your Child

Our clinic and chiropractic in general have experienced an increasing number of referrals from midwives, health visitors and parents seeking care for their new born children. We see a multifaceted role for chiropractors in healthcare that primarily affects the musculoskeletal system. We also provide a careful health assessment of babies and offer gentle treatment. This does not take the place of regular health checks for babies and we endorse and recommend the NHS vaccination programme. We recognise that more research needs to be done to support effective care for babies so this is an ongoing research project at the college.

Chiropractors have a strong history in providing care for older children. This primarily involves back pain and headache, where there has been some suggestion in the scientific literature that it is under-reported, and injuries arising out of sports and recreational activities. Our approach with all patients, no matter how young or old, involves taking a complete health history, performing a careful and full physical examination to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis and treatment method that is best for the condition and consistent with the patient's age.