• Home
  • Meet the Team
  • 'New' Patients
  • Book an appointment
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Contact us
  • FAQ
    • What to expect
    • What is chiropractic
  • Exercises
  • Testimonials
    • Privacy
  • Blog
LLANGEFNI CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
  • Home
  • Meet the Team
  • 'New' Patients
  • Book an appointment
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Contact us
  • FAQ
    • What to expect
    • What is chiropractic
  • Exercises
  • Testimonials
    • Privacy
  • Blog

Blog

The stiff upper lip might not be such a good thing...

31/1/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I wasn't surprised by the research findings that the so typically British 'stiff upper lip' may deter patients from seeing their doctor, as they are too embarrassed to disclose their symptoms or fear that they may be 'wasting the doctor's time'. These findings, part of a more lengthy study published in the British Journal of Cancer, may go some way to explain the surprisingly lower than expected cancer survival rates in the UK, when compared with other developed nations, despite access to highly trained medical staff and cutting-edge treatment interventions.

A survey of nearly 20,000 people  in the developed countries of UK, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Sweden revealed that one sixth of British men and women over the age of 50 were embarrassed to share their symptoms with their doctor, and a third were reluctant to visit for fear of being 'time wasters'. This could delay diagnosis and hence commencement of treatment - and early intervention is often the most critical factor in a successful outcome for the treatment of many cancers.  

Fortunately, since we chiropractors primarily deal with problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, rarely do people present with cancers, or symptoms that might lead me to suspect anything more sinister. However, I am all too familiar with people's reluctance to disclose potentially important information that might help me to make the correct diagnosis and hence establish an appropriate treatment plan. All too often they might think that something in their history isn't relevant to their particular, current problem, or they might feel a little embarrassed or awkward about discussing things with me. However, I would urge all patients to provide me with as much information as possible - every consultation is totally confidential and we aim to provide you with a comfortable, relaxed, private environment. There isn't much that shocks me, and chances are, I've probably heard or seen similar before!

Whilst we chiropractors mainly treat the joints, muscles, nerves and soft tissues, we spend many years at University studying all the medical sciences, so we are trained to recognise and diagnose all sorts of illnesses and problems, not just those affecting the musculoskeletal system. So, if I were to pick up on something that I thought wasn't within my scope of practice, I would refer you on to your GP, or appropriate healthcare professional for further investigation (obviously with your permission).

Personally, I'm just like everybody else; I still squirm with embarrassment and sit there, on my clammy hands, giggling like a nervous schoolgirl, when having to discuss even the most minor of ailments with my GP. I even worry that I'm wearing 'sensible' clothing when seeing my own chiropractor! I faff around, delay making the appointment, fidget in the waiting room - and then feel so much better once it's done!

So, be brave and grab the bull by the horns. If you're worried about something it is far better to deal with it sooner rather than later, and if it is something serious, the sooner you get help the better! At least you'll have a definite answer to what the problem is - and this has got to be preferable to the sleepless nights, worrying and wondering and imagining the worst...

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Ceri Ann

    Eich Ceiropractydd yng Nghlinig Ceiropracteg Llangefnii
    ​
    Your Chiropractor at Llangefni Chiropractic Clinic

    Archives

    June 2020
    October 2015
    December 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2010

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Llangefni Chiropractic Clinic, 6 GlanHwfa Rd, Llangefni LL777EN, Anglesey, North Wales, UK                                                       privacy policy                                                               Llangefni Chiropractic Clinic 2020
  • Home
  • Meet the Team
  • 'New' Patients
  • Book an appointment
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Contact us
  • FAQ
    • What to expect
    • What is chiropractic
  • Exercises
  • Testimonials
    • Privacy
  • Blog