What is a “chiropractic adjustment?”
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific manual force applied in a precise direction to the subluxated vertebrae restoring normal motion, often relieving pain, and allowing the nervous system to function without interference.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments, when carried out by a qualified doctor, are not painful. However, if the condition is acute, and there is a lot of muscle spasm and inflammation, there may be some discomfort initially. Your Doctor of Chiropractic will advise you if this is likely. Since each patient is unique, each adjustment is unique. Age, size, and individual spinal conditions determine which adjustment technique is best suited for treatment.
Is chiropractic care effective?
Six formal government inquiries into chiropractic world wide in the last 25 years have all concluded that this health care practice is safe, effective, and cost-efficient. Independent studies have also shown that for some conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic can be the best choice for an effective and quick recovery. 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 for GPs which recommend manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain. Many chiropractors regularly report success in treating babies with colic, cases of digestive complaints, asthma, high blood pressure, sinus problems, migraine headaches, period pains, and many other conditions which are not commonly associated with the spine.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is a drug-free, surgery-free, non-invasive treatment of the spine and associated conditions. It is a very low risk therapy. A Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to recognise conditions that require referral elsewhere and will advise you if this is the case. Even after certain spinal surgeries, chiropractic care is advisable due to its effectiveness in accelerating recovery. Chiropractic care is safe for the whole family, from infants to the elderly, including pregnant women.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Chiropractors are primary contact health professionals, which means that patients can consult them directly. GPs are increasingly recognising chiropractic as an effective treatment for many conditions, most notably back pain.
Does chiropractic treatment require x-rays?
The chiropractic profession has developed guidelines with regard to the use of x-rays as a diagnostic tool. They can provide vital information to help determine a diagnosis, but they are not required in every case. X-rays are only taken when a need has been determined by a careful case history and physical examination. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to x-ray interpretation and diagnosis.
