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What is Chiropractic & what to expect? What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. It is based on scientific fact, that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, organ, tissue and system within the body. While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is more vulnerable, and protected by 24 movable vertebrae. When these bones lose their normal movement or position, they can irritate the nervous system. This in turn, disrupts the function of the nerve flow to the appropriate tissue or organs. It is a safe, natural and proven treatment which focuses on the principle that spinal joints are frequently injured as a result of daily activities, trauma, stress, poor diet, chemical imbalance or congenital defects. Chiropractic care is suitable for all ages, from newborn babies with colic to the elderly with arthritis. We treat teenagers, manual workers, pregnant mothers, office workers and elite athletes to name only a few. When injured joints lose their flexibility, position or function, the body can initially compensate. As the damage continues, more stress is placed on adjacent structures and the body starts to malfunction, causing pain, inflammation and ill-health. Chiropractic is the science of locating these problem areas, correcting the dysfunction and then helping to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Many of our patients report not only pain relief, but better movement, improved sleep patterns, vitality and feelings of general well-being whilst being able to cope better with their normal activities of daily living. What does Chiropractic treatment involve? Our treatment plans are individually suited to you as a person. Your Chiropractic Doctor will use a variety of specific techniques, called “adjustments” to the joints and associated muscles, helping them to move freely. Sometimes a pop or click may be heard – this is simply the sound of gas bubbles releasing in the fluid of the joints as the pressure is removed – which is completely normal. When the function and mobility of these joints is improved, muscle spasm is reduced, and pain alleviated. When spinal function is improved, nervous system function (health) can also improve. You may be given massage, ultrasound or specific exercises and advice, which will help you to manage your condition. You may be asked about your diet, amount of stress, activities of daily living etc. If changes are important, your Chiropractor will discuss them with you. The number of treatments required varies greatly in individuals, the nature of your condition, the length of time you have had it, your goals and your individual responsiveness to treatment. It is also reliant on how you follow your Chiropractors advice, and keep up with your treatment schedule. There are various phases of care: Relief care. The majority of our patients consult us because they have experienced some pain or discomfort. The first thing most new patients want is to feel better, so in the beginning, visits are usually frequent. This is designed to reduce your discomfort in the shortest amount of time possible. Rehabilitative / Corrective care. Once you are feeling better, we will explain how to stabilise and retrain the muscles and supporting ligaments of the spine and other associated joints. At this stage, the frequencies of visits are gradually lessened. Whilst many conditions have developed over several years, it helps to understand that it takes time to correct them. If your care ends too soon, before the full healing of the muscles and soft tissue occurs, relapses are common. Periodic check-ups / preventative care. A good way to look at Chiropractic is to relate it to dentistry. We all know it takes a long time to develop tooth decay, but with regular care and check-ups, the plaque doesn’t stand a chance. Similarly, spinal misalignments can be underlying, our check-ups can help to catch little problems before they become major concerns and help to prevent the return of the original condition. Think of you car, your teeth or your relationships. They take time and effort to maintain, but you know it’s going to be worth it in the long run. Our patients find that treatment works best when it is not just used as a pain killer, but is used to keep the pain away. We want you to stay free from problems in the longer term. |
