Case History - You will be asked a lot of questions, not just about your current problem, but about your past medical history. Some of the questions we ask may seem irrelevant, but they are very important as they allow us to establish an overall picture of your health and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.

Physical Examination ­- After taking the history, you will be examined. The examination will focus on your joints, muscles and nerves, but a thorough check-up of your heart, lungs and abdomen is often performed to rule out any other causes of your problem. A gown is available for you to wear for the examination, and at each treatment visit. At this stage, you may be offered treatment immediately, if it is appropriate, but sometimes it is necessary to delay things for a few days whilst we obtain further information from your GP (e.g. blood test results, X-ray reports) or refer you for MRI scans or X-rays if needed.

Report of Findings – before starting treatment we will explain what we have found, what is wrong with you and what we plan to do about it! You will be advised of any exercises, dietary or lifestyle changes that might help your recovery – if you follow these you’ll benefit! We’ll explain how long it is likely to take for you to recover, how many treatments you are likely to need, and the cost of this care.

 Treatment - Chiropractors use their hands to perform safe, specific adjustments to free up joints in the spine, or elsewhere in the body that are not moving properly – a bit like a door that has got stuck on its hinges! In the spine, these restricted joints can irritate the delicate nerve tissue, affecting its ability to function efficiently, and monitor and maintain the body’s health. The adjustment, a short, gentle thrust that often results in an audible “crack”; (the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is eased) frees the restricted joint and relieves the irritation of the surrounding nerve tissue. Soft tissue work, stretching and rehabilitative advice may also be given. Often the treatment will relieve your symptoms and improve your feeling of well-being straight-away. However, there is no “instant cure”, particularly with long-term problems. Some patients may experience a little soreness around the area that has been treated, and if there is already a lot of inflammation it may appear to worsen in the short term. If you have any questions about the treatment you are receiving, just ask!

ICE PACK application for 10-15 minutes every hour
will help reduce inflammation

Does it hurt? - The chiropractic adjustment usually doesn’t hurt, although you may have a little short-term discomfort that will soon pass. Subsequent treatment visits are usually more pleasant as your symptoms improve and you feel more at ease.

What are the risks? – There are very few risks with chiropractic, far fewer than with other types of treatment for your condition. Apart from a little localised tenderness, serious side effects are very uncommon. Very rarely, neck manipulation has been linked with strokes, although research shows that chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment there is. If you have any worries, please ask!

ONGOING CARE

Initially, the aim is to decrease pain, improve joint movement, relieve tension, restore nerve function and help you to feel better as quickly as possible. The treatment visits may be frequent. Once the acute stage of your condition has eased the aim is to maximise the level of function in your spine and joints, and ensure that the nervous system is working properly. Full healing can take up to 4-8 weeks - long after your symptoms have gone – particularly if your complaint is the result of a serious injury, or has been there for a long time. It is important to follow through with treatment and exercises to ensure the best results.

Once your symptoms have eased, you may be recommended to attend for periodic check-ups – like an MOT for your body! These visits will help to prevent a relapse of your condition as we are often unable to eliminate the stresses and strains of everyday life. By maintaining a healthy, mobile spine you will also be ensuring that the nervous system is functioning properly, allowing the body to work in equilibrium and thus maintaining your general health and well-being. These check-ups are usually 1-3 months apart.