What do Chiropractors do?

Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their effects on the nervous system. Our nervous system controls every part of our body, through the nerves, which branch off our spinal cord from between each spinal joint. Incorrect function in the spine can cause irritation of the nerves and muscles that control our posture and movement. This is where Chiropractors use their training and experience to manipulate/adjust the joints and relieve these restrictions to improve function.   At Cross Hands Chiropractic Clinic Ltd we also take a keen interest in your lifestyle, paying particular attention to your posture and also activities you are involved in.   Your overall health, diet and nutrition are very important to help you achieve the optimum care from our treatment.

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What can I expect on my first appointment?

During the consultation process we will be asking you questions that focus on your presenting complaint, however it is also important we obtain your medical history, any medication you may be taking and any accidents you may have had in the past.   This will allow us to build a picture of your current health and will allow us to rule "in or out" any other causes that may or may not relate to your problem.

We will be examining the affected area and also overall range of motion / mobility and strength of your muscles as well as your reflexes.   We will also be taking you blood pressure and examining your cranial nerves if your complaint is related to the cervical spine.    A gown will be provided and you will be required to wear this so that we are able to perform a full examination of the affected area and so an overall evaluation of your posture can be obtained.

Upon completion of the examination a report of findings will be given, which will inform you what has been found.   This will also allow the chiropractor to discuss the treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs as well as the benefits and risks of treatment.   Recovery of your presenting complaint is not solely based on the chiropractic treatment therefore home exercises and after care advice must be adhered to help assist in the recover of your presenting complaint.

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What is involved in the treatment?

Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints of the spine and limbs where signs of restriction in movement are found.   This treatment is termed a chiropractic adjustment; it helps to improve the mobility of the affected joint and to relieve pain.

Patients may be given specific exercises to help maintain and improve their condition, and advice on posture and movement to prevent relapses. If your chiropractor identifies an underlying condition for which other treatment is appropriate, you will be referred to your GP or another specialist without delay.

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Is treatment painful?

Chiropractic treatment mainly involves a safe, often gentle, specific adjustment, (manipulation) which is done by hand, to free joints that are not moving properly.   A Chiropractic adjustment is rarely painful hurt but can be sometimes be uncomfortable depending on the area and reason for the adjustment. Some people will experience some minor discomfort and these effects may typically include muscle stiffness, mild headaches or a feeling of fatigue. These tend to be mild symptoms and should usually settle down within a 24 period.  

You will find that follow up treatment is much more pleasant as you symptoms improve and you feel more at ease with the chiropractor.

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Are there any side effects?

Chiropractic treatment has far fewer risks than many other treatments for your problem.   Serious side effects are extremely uncommon.   Very rarely, adjustment (manipulation) of the neck has been linked with strokes, although research shows that chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment available.   Your BCA chiropractor will be happy to discuss all of your concerns regarding treatment.

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What is the popping sound?

An audible 'crack' (pop) can be as a result of the adjustment and may bring relief of the symptoms as well as a feeling of well-being.   The 'crack' / pop is simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.

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Do I need a GP referral?

Chiropractic is a private service so you can call the Cross Hands Chiropractic Clinic Ltd, to make an appointment straight away. Those that have private healthcare may require GP referrals depending on their policy. This does vary from policy to policy so it is worth giving them a call, Chiropractic treatment may be covered under your current policy.
Guidelines are set out by the College of General Practitioners, which suggests that any patients suffering with acute low back pain should be referred to a Chiropractor for treatment as a first port of call.

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How many treatments will I need?

Chiropractic care depends on the healing ability of each patient so there are no definitive answers. Factors which can affect the healing process include your age, overall health, muscle tone, diet and even your attitude. It can also depend on your complaint, the severity of it, Upon your first visit to Cross Hands Chiropractic Clinic Ltd, your Chiropractor will take a full medical history, and examination, and if necessary will request for x-rays to be taken, and discuss with you the necessary course of action. The frequency of your visits is reduced as you respond to improved spinal function. Healing takes time and varies from person to person    There is however no instant cure and some patients may require a course of treatment to correct the problem. Most patients report some improvement after their first treatment. This sets in motion a series of changes as each visit builds on the ones before.

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Will I need chiropractic care forever?

After patients get relief from their initial problem many choose to continue with some type of periodic care.   Bio mechanical problems are often the accumulation of smaller problems rather than a single large trauma. e.g. "I just bent down to pick up the paper and now my back hurts" is usually because bending down to get the paper was the straw that broke the camel's back, that problem has been accumulating for a while!

Periodic "check-ups" can help support the improvement already achieved as well as detect and resolve small, new problems before they become serious.

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Are chiropractors regulated and adequately qualified?

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is a government body, which oversees the chiropractic profession, setting the standards for education, continued professional development, conduct and practice.

In the UK no one may use the title "Chiropractor" or imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the GCC.   This guarantees that they are fully qualified and safe to practice having either been educated at a fully accredited college in the UK or have undertaken a test of competence if educated abroad.

One of the requirements for maintaining this registration is to fulfil a set number of hours of "continuing professional development" each year. This essentially means that a chiropractor must continue with postgraduate training each year to maintain the highest standards of patient care, so you can be confident that registered chiropractors are competent and safe.

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What is the difference between an Osteopath & a Chiropractor?

Both Chiropractors and Osteopaths originated from America in the 1890s and have very have similar educational institutes with similar degrees. In general terms a few differences remain. Chiropractic techniques generally tend to be more location specific whereas Osteopaths tend to place more emphasis on soft tissue/muscle work and mobilisation of joints. Chiropractors are trained to take and interpret radiographic X-Rays whereas Osteopaths are trained only in their interpretation.

Although the Chiropractic profession is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, it is a more recognised profession worldwide with on-going quality research taking place at centres of excellence around the world.

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