FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions What conditions do Chiropractors treat? The most common condition is back pain/sciatica, 25% is neck/shoulder/arm pain and 10% headaches. However Chiropractic is effective in treating conditions as varied as tennis elbow to migraine. Treatment varies according to patient and condition. Each person is different and requires an individual treatment strategy. We have the expertise to offer a wide variety of solutions and a fresh approach that can tackle anything from acute whiplash injuries to even the most entrenched of problems. What qualifications do Chiropractors have? All Chiropractors have achieved an accredited degree-level education and must, by law, be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) - our statutory body. It is a criminal offence for anyone to use the title Chiropractor or to practice chiropractic if they are not registered with the GCC. Chiropractors who are members of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) have received a minimum of four years full time chiropractic education. Do I need to be referred by my GP? No, but we are more than happy to work in concert with GP's and will contact them if the patient so desires. What is the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic? Both
Osteopathy and Chiropractic started life in the 1890's in North
America, but they had different opinions on how manipulation worked.
These days we have a similar level of qualification and legal status
and cover broadly the same scope of practice. Although Osteopathy has been better known in the UK, Chiropractic is by far more popular worldwide. A good Osteopath and a good Chiropractor should achieve similar results when treating patients but you probably won't get either to admit it! How much treatment will I need? The amount of treatment required varies from patient to patient and from condition to condition. However, the average number of treatments is 6, although a treatment plan is always tailored to each individual. Do I need treatment on my bad back for life? Not necessarily. Many patients find that once they have made a recovery they can be discharged. However a lot of people find that they benefit from regular check-ups at intervals of anything from 2 to 6 months depending on individual needs, as this can prevent further painful episodes from occurring. If you service your car regularly, what about your spine? What do I wear? Male patients will be asked to wear underpants but they may wear elasticated shorts if they feel more comfortable. Female patients are provided with surgical-style gowns over their underwear. In addition, dressing gowns are provided for all patients whilst in the waiting area. Do I need x-rays? The decision on whether or not x-rays are necessary is made after the Chiropractor has taken a full case history and examined the patient thoroughly. The decision will depend on several factors, including whether the information yielded by an x-ray justifies exposing the patient to the radiation involved in taking it. We have access to x-rays locally and to MRI scans at a very competitive price. We hope to have our own x-ray installation in the near future. Will treatment hurt? Generally Chiropractic treatment does not hurt, although in the early stages of treatment there may be some mild short term discomfort which very quickly passes for most patients. Usually follow up treatments become much more pleasant as symptoms improve and mobility increases. Are there any risks? Chiropractic has far fewer risks than most orthodox medical treatments for your problem, and serious side effects are extremely uncommon. Very rarely neck manipulation has been linked with strokes but current research has found Chiropractic to be one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment available. We commonly treat patients in their 80's and 90's. Chiropractic treatment is also safe and suitable for babies, children and pregnant women. How much will treatment cost? For
our list of fees, please click here. |
