FAQ
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic has far fewer risks than many other comparable disciplines. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon. Very rarely manipulation of the neck has been linked with strokes. Data varies, but current information suggests the incidence is less than 1: 1,000,000 treatments. Further data suggests that incidence is 1:5,870,000 treatments. To put this in context, significant risk for any therapeutic intervention is defined as 1 incident, in every 10,000. (Data obtained from the British Chiropractic Association).
Does it hurt?
No, chiropractic treatment
generally is not painful, when performed by a qualified
professional. If acute muscle spasm is present over the area to
be treated, you may feel some short-term discomfort. If your problem
has been untreated for a long time, you may experience some post-treatment
soreness. This will soon pass as your body begins to adjust. Your
chiropractor will be able to tell you if this is likely to happen
and how to minimise any discomfort.
How soon will I feel better?
This will depend on the individual problem, how long you've had
it, how bad it is and how many areas and tissues are affected. Whilst
every patient reacts differently, your chiropractor will be able
to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will
feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment
plan. Most patients do express feeling 'better' or 'lighter' after
just one or two treatments, but in general, the longer you've had
it, the longer it will take to resolve. Your commitment to
the recommended treatment plan, home exercises and any diet or lifestyle
adjustments will also determine your treatment outcome and your
long term benefits from chiropractic care.
How often do I need to
go?
The number of treatments you will require, will depend on several factors. Your specific health problem, how long you have had it, how severe it is, and how many areas and tissues are affected. Your individual treatment needs will be determined during your initial consultation. Many patients opt for
maintenance care once they feel better again. Again the frequency of
maintenance visits will depend on a number of factors, but generally
maintenance visits are six monthly, but some patients need treatment a little more frequently.
Will I be given drugs
or injections?
No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved.
Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health.
Chiropractic works by identifying the underlying cause of the problem
and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers.
Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the joints of your body.
Instead of putting something in or taking something out of the body,
the inborn power of the body to heal itself is restored. Painkillers
may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of
the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first
aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able
to function normally without pain and without painkillers.
Is chiropractic suitable
during pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractic treatment is
generally suitable and safe throughout the pregnancy,
during labour and after giving birth. Chiropractic care can help
with common problems associated with pregnancy such as pain in the
back, pelvis and rib cage, and it can make labour easier through
the balancing effect it has on the joints and ligaments.
Can babies and children be treated?
Yes, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment
techniques of the newborn obviously differ considerably from those
of adults. It is a good idea to have babies checked soon after birth.
Any spinal or joint problems can then be dealt with early on before
they cause further health problems. Talk to your chiropractor to
find out more.
Can sports performance
be improved?
Yes, chiropractic works by improving the mechanics of joints, muscles and
ligaments as well as normalising the integrity of the nervous system.
When the nerves are working without interference, the body's functional
potential is maximised. Many patients have found significant improvement
in their sports performance through chiropractic. If you've had
a sports injury, your chiropractor can help you recover quicker,
with less pain and with minimal resultant dysfunction. More importantly
a trained chiropractor can uncover underlying dysfunction, and by
correcting it, stop your problem from recurring. Many sportsmen
simply wish to maintain their good health and prevent any future
problems with regular chiropractic treatments.
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