Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic specialises in mechanical disorders of joints, particularly those of the spine, and their effects on the nervous and muscular system. It is now State Registered and is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry.
What do Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat an enormous range of conditions including:
Back pain
Sciatica
Headaches and migraine
Neck, shoulder and arm pain
Sports injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
and many other joint, muscle or nerve disorders.
How does it work?
Treatment consists of gentle manipulative techniques, known as adjustments, to restore correct function, mobility and good alignment to the joints. As a result, nerve and muscular function will then be improved.
What is the popping noise of the adjustment?
During Chiropractic adjustment there is a change of pressure within the joint space which may sometimes cause a bubble of gas to 'pop' - but this sound is not significant, and does not hurt.
Will treatment hurt?
Manipulation, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, is not painful. If you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some discomfort. Sometimes, if you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust. Your Chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen and will advise of self-help remedies in between treatments.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Even if I've already had surgery? Chiropractic is very safe when treatment is carried out by a properly qualified practitioner. Your Chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere, and can treat you even after surgery.
How long does Chiropractic take?
A full new patient appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. This will include a consultation whereby the Chiropractor takes a full medical history from you and then performs a thorough examination, after which the Chiropractor will be able to make their diagnosis, and then discuss a treatment programme with you.
Will I need an X-ray?
X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary. Chiropractors are fully qualified to take and read X-rays.
Who do Chiropractors treat?
The treatment is suitable for people of all ages, including babies, pregnant women and the elderly.
Are all patients adjusted in the same way?
No. Your treatment programme will be tailored to your specific needs.
What will I wear?
You will be offered two large comfortable gowns to wear.
How long will it take to get better?
Your recovery is dependant on many factors - the problem, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitative exercises and maintenance visits which your Chiropractor may recommend.
How often do I need to come for treatment?
An average course of treatment may entail five or six visits over two or three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. Discuss this with your Chiropractor, who will explain your treatment programme to you.
Why should I return if I'm feeling fine?
Your Chiropractor has treated you, but if you continue the lifestyle which caused the original condition, regular treatment should also continue.
Can I adjust myself?
Is there anything wrong with me 'cracking my neck or back myself'? You must not adjust yourself. You cannot properly control an adjustment to yourself and your relief may only be temporary. If you feel you want to 'crack' your joints, it is because you need an adjustment. Consult your Chiropractor!
Should I bring my family for Chiropractic checks?
Yes, the strength of Chiropractic is that it can help to prevent discomfort, pain and even disease, and is suitable for everyone. It is appropriate to visit a Chiropractor even if you have no pain, as restrictions in movement can often be detected before symptoms appear.
Will my doctor approve?
In 1995 the British Medical Association concluded that patients with low back pain treated with Chiropractic derive more benefit with long term satisfaction than those treated by hospitals. Following on from this, G.P's were advised in 1996 by the Royal College of General Practitioners to recommend manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain. However, you do not need a GP referral to visit a Chiropractor.
Can I get treatment on the NHS?
Some GP's are able to purchase Chiropractic treatment for their patients on the NHS. You will need to speak to your GP about this. Many health companies will now pay for Chiropractic treatment.
What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?
There are differences in technique and approach, as well as some similarities. The important factor is that the practitioner is well qualified. Both professions now have statutory regulation.
How are Chiropractors trained and qualified?
It takes at least four years of full-time study to become a Chiropractor at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) or Glamorgan University, which offer a BSc degree.
The courses are followed by a post-graduate year spent on the BCA's Pre-Registration Training Scheme (PRTS), which students spend in a Chiropractic clinic with the support of a qualified Trainer. Upon successful completion of the PRTS the student may be admitted onto the State Register.
Only Chiropractors trained at the accredited colleges can become members of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the largest association for the profession in the UK, established since 1925, and now represents over 800 UK chiropractors.
The Chiropractors Act received Royal Assent in July 1994. Resulting from it, the General Chiropractic Council was announced in January 1997. It is responsible for setting standards of both education and conduct within the profession, and requires all Chiropractors to be registered to practice legally in the UK.
Is there scientific proof that Chiropractic works?
Particularly for low back pain, yes. NICE now recommend GP's refer patients who have had back pain for between six weeks and a year for spinal manipulation, rehabilitative exercises, acupuncture or massage. At Newland Chiropractic Clinic we provide all the above. We usually recommend our patients do specific stretching or strengthening exercises between treatments that often include spinal manipulation with massage or acupuncture needles to reduce muscle tension (we are not acupuncturists).
The clinical Standards Advisory Group recommended in 1994 that there should be earlier access to the manipulative therapies and a redistribution of resources within the NHS to make this happen. In September 1996 the Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines which recommended manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain.
Some research is focusing on how Chiropractic affects other areas of the body. Many Chiropractors (including us) report relief of colic symptoms when treating babies with colic, however the evidence based research is currently inconclusive. Similarly some patients who have asthma may report improved respiratory function, some patients with digestive complaints, period pains or blocked sinuses notice improvements. Not enough research has been done to prove or disprove theses individual reports. As Chiropractic treatment becomes more widely sought by the public and accepted by health professionals, researchers all over the world, including the Anglo European College of Chiropractic are investigating the effect Chiropractic treatment has on pain and disease in the organs of the body.
