What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are primary health care providers with an emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors examine, diagnosis, treat and prevent mechanical disorders.

What Education has a Chiropractor had?
To become a chiropractor, a person has to go to a chiropractic college for a four or five year course to complete a Masters degree. The course involves subjects such as anatomy, diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, paediatrics, neuroanatomy and much more. The final year consists of clinical experience at a training clinic. After qualifying, the title Doctor of Chiropractic is awarded.

Is Chiropractic for Me?
Everyone undergoes a thorough examination, to ensure that chiropractic treatment is appropriate. Sometimes a patient may be referred to another healthcare practitioner. An in-depth examination can be for those in pain and for those who wish to have a general screen to ensure there are no misalignments of the spine. Also a wide range of ages can be treated. The youngest patient I have treated was 4 days old and the oldest 99 years old, so chiropractic really is for everyone!

What is the Appointment Structure?
On your first visit, a one hour new patient exam will be performed. This will involve a history of your presenting complaint and a review of your medical history and lifestyle. Then a thorough examination will be performed. On your second visit, a report of findings will be given and a treatment plan suggested, (or referral if needed). Then treatment will begin once you are happy with the approach being taken.

What Can a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractors can treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, work injuries, postural problems, joint pain, birth injuries and much more.

What does Treatment Involve?
Treatment mainly compromises of 'hands on' treatment, known as a spinal manipulation or adjustment. This is where a restriction of the spine is treated to increase range of motion. In doing so, it allows optimal flow of the nervous system, which results in increased vitality and promotes the body to start healing itself. Treatment also focuses on soft tissue work (such as massage), rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle changes. The patient has a responsibility for their health too, so treatment is not limited to the time when the patient is with their chiropractor.

Are there any Side Effects from Treatment?
The most common side effect is some mild soreness and discomfort within a 48 hour period after treatment. There is no evidence to suggest that there are any serious risks as a side effect of treatment. It has been suggested there is a small risk of a stroke occurring secondarily to neck manipulation, however recent studies suggest the risk is equal to the risk of attending your GP surgery with the same complaint.

What Causes Spinal Restrictions?
The body is constantly put under stress. The main types of stress are physical, chemical, and emotional, each one contributing to pain. Both beneficial and detrimental stresses can cause change to our bodies.

How Many Treatments Will a Patient Need?
Everybody is different! This varies and involves a number of factors such as what the condition is, how long it has been present and its severity. In terms of pain, evidence suggests this can decrease from the first visit or it may take several sessions. However, for some patients longer treatment plans may be needed to treat the underlying cause and prevent any future problems. The choice is always up to the patient if they wish to keep benefiting from chiropractic care.

How much will it cost?
Prices do vary, so please call the clinic to find out more details on 01923 672 773.