Frequently Asked Questions
During an adjustment, chiropractors apply a highly specific, gentle and controlled force to a spinal joint using their hands or a small instrument, such as an activator. The goal is to improve spinal motion, overall function and alignment, and reduce discomfort. You may hear a popping or cracking sound, known as a cavitation, which is the release of small gas bubbles from the joints. Adjustments are tailored to your specific needs and condition, so are different for a lot of people, but the aims are to alleviate some pain and improve mobility.
It is crucial to discuss your medical history with your chiropractor to ensure safe and appropriate treatment. You should avoid chiropractic adjustments if you have severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, or certain types of instability in the spine. Additionally, individuals with inflammatory arthritis, or that have had a recent stroke, or are taking blood-thinning medications should consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing adjustments.
Our chiropractors will discuss your specific needs and give post treatment advice on a case by case basis. However, after an initial appointment we often advise our patients to keep mobile, where possible and avoid sitting or being overactive for long periods. It is also sometimes advisable to avoid particular strenuous physical activities, such as heavy lifting, or intense workouts for at least 24 hours. This allows your body to adapt to the changes made during the treatment. Additionally, you can try to practice good posture, stay hydrated and use ice or heat as advised to help your body maintain the adjustments.
The cracking noise, often heard during a chiropractic adjustment, results from cavitation. This occurs when gas bubbles between the joints are released due to the pressure change, producing a popping sound. It is a common and typically harmless phenomenon associated with joint adjustments. However, the cracking noise is not a necessity to get the full effect from a treatment.
The frequency of chiropractic adjustments varies based on the individual's condition, goals, and response to treatment. Initially, more frequent adjustments might be recommended to manage symptoms or address specific issues. Over time, as improvements are noted, the frequency may decrease and exercises may be given to enhance positive ourcomes of treatment. Maintenance or preventative sessions might be suggested to keep the body in tip top condition and avoid recurrance. Our chiropractors will tailor a plan based on your specific needs.
While it is not always necessary to rest completely after a chiropractic adjustment, it is often beneficial to avoid particularly strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Gentle movement, like walking, can be helpful. Resting allows your body to adapt to the changes and can enhance the healing process. Listen to your body and your chiropractor's advice regarding post-adjustment activities.
A chiropractic adjustment can feel different for each person, but many report feeling relief and increased mobility immediately or shortly after the treatment. During the adjustment, you may feel pressure and hear a popping sound, which is usually not painful. Some people experience minor discomfort, especially if there's been tension or pain in the area being adjusted, but this typically subsides quickly. Our chiropractors will guide you through the process to ensure your comfort and safety.
You should think about seeing a chiropractor if you've experienced chronic or acute back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, or discomfort following a minor injury. Other reasons include seeking relief from musculoskeletal conditions, improving posture, enhancing overall physical function, and preventive health care.
Choosing between a chiropractor or osteopath is dependent on your personal health needs and preferences. Both practitioners focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, but they have slightly different approaches and philosophies. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal adjustments, myofascial release techniques & exercise prescription. While osteopaths take similar approaches, including manipulative techniques, both aimed at improving the body's overall function. Both can be effective, so your choice may depend on which approach aligns better with your health philosophy and goals. ‘Chiropractor’ is also a protected term within the UK with every person calling themselves a chiropractor needing to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
People visit chiropractors for various reasons, including relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. Chiropractic care is also sought for minor injury recovery, posture correction, improved mobility, and overall wellness. Chiropractors use non-invasive techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, muscle therapies & exercises to try and alleviate a variety of conditions.
In the UK, NHS referrals to chiropractors are not commonly made, but policies can vary by local NHS Trusts. Some GP practices may have arrangements with local chiropractors to provide care under the NHS, but this is relatively rare. Typically, patients seek chiropractic care privately, and some private health insurance plans may cover chiropractic treatment. It's best to check with your GP or local NHS Trust for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding referrals.
The NHS typically does not currently cover chiropractic care as a standard option. However, there are some instances where NHS funding is available for chiropractic treatment, depending on the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) policies. It's relatively rare, and where available, patients might need a referral from their GP. It's advisable to check with your GP or local NHS Trust to explore any options for NHS-funded chiropractic care. Many people choose to access chiropractic services privately and some private health insurance plans offer coverage for chiropractic treatment.
The time it takes for chiropractic treatment to relieve a pinched nerve can vary widely depending on the specific cause, the severity of the issue, and the individual's general health. Some may notice improvements within a few sessions, while others might need a longer treatment course. A chiropractor can provide a more accurate estimate based on an initial assessment.
Chiropractic adjustments can feel different for everyone. Some may experience immediate relief of symptoms, while others may notice slight discomfort or pressure during the adjustment. It's common to feel some soreness similar to post-exercise muscle aches afterward, but this typically subsides within a day or two.
Yes, you can receive a regular massage and see a chiropractor simultaneously, in fact it is often recommended! Many people find that combining the two can enhance the overall effectiveness of their treatment plan, addressing both the skeletal system and the muscles. It's often recommended to communicate your treatment plans between your therapists to ensure complementary care.
The frequency of chiropractic visits varies based on individual needs, the nature of the condition being treated, and how you respond to treatment. Initially, more frequent visits (1-3 times a week) may be necessary, especially for acute conditions. As your situation improves, the frequency may decrease to maintenance visits ranging from once a month to a few times a year. Your chiropractor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
The time between chiropractic adjustments varies based on individual patient's needs, the specific condition being treated, and the chiropractor's recommendations. To start with, chiropractic adjustments might be more frequent, potentially once or twice a week, to address acute issues or significant discomfort. As patients experience improvement, the time between sessions may extend to bi-weekly, monthly, or even longer for maintenance. Your chiropractor will develop a tailored treatment plan outlining the recommended frequency of visits.
Yes, chiropractors in the UK are regulated and must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to legally practise. The GCC ensures that all chiropractors meet specific educational standards, adhere to a code of practice, and commit to ongoing professional development. Registration with the GCC assures patients that their chiropractor meets national standards for safety and competency.
A good chiropractor:
- Holds the necessary qualifications and is registered with the GCC.
- Has positive reviews from patients and a good reputation in the community.
- Offers a clear, evidence-based rationale for treatments.
- Communicates effectively, listens to your concerns, and answers questions clearly.
- Provides a detailed treatment plan, including expected outcomes and timelines.
- Focuses on patient-centred care, including preventive advice and exercises you can do at home.
- Encourages collaboration with other healthcare professionals as needed.
Choosing a chiropractor involves assessing their credentials, approach to care, and how comfortable you feel with them. Recommendations from healthcare providers or trusted acquaintances can also be valuable.
Chiropractors are not medical doctors like GPs, but they have extensive training in chiropractic care. To become a chiropractor in the UK requires completing a chiropractic degree program, which is a minimum of four years. Education focuses on anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology and chiropractic techniques, among other subjects. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, with a primary focus on spine care. Chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) as the term chiropractor is protected.
During your first visit with our chiropractor, you'll undergo a thorough assessment that includes a thorough medical history review, a physical examination including orthopaedic and neurological tests to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Our chiropractor will discuss your health goals, explain their findings, and propose a treatment plan. Depending on your situation, you may receive your first treatment during this visit, or be guided to a more appropriate healthcare clinician.
People visit chiropractors for a variety of reasons, including:
- Relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain
- Treatment for minor sports injuries such as ankle sprain and plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain and stiffness
- For general aches & pains
- Enhancing overall wellbeing by reducing tension and helping aid relaxation.
- Migraine prevention
People often feel better after visiting a chiropractor because the adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves, improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance spinal function. This can lead to immediate relief from discomfort or pain, increased range of motion, and a general sense of well-being due to improved function and reduced pain.
If you experience pain or discomfort that you believe is the result of a chiropractic adjustment, it's important to communicate this with your chiropractor as soon as possible. They can adjust their treatment approach or advise you on the next steps, which might include rest, applying ice or heat, or seeking further medical evaluation if necessary.
The duration of relief after a chiropractic session can vary widely among individuals and depends on the nature of the condition being treated. Some may feel immediate relief that lasts for several days or longer, while others may need a series of treatments to maintain the benefits. Discussing a treatment plan with your chiropractor can help manage expectations and outcomes.
Some individuals may experience increased soreness or discomfort immediately following a chiropractic adjustment. This is often due to the body's natural response to the changes made during the adjustment, similar to the soreness felt after exercising muscles that haven't been used in a while. Typically, this discomfort is temporary and subsides within a day or two.
Emotional release after a chiropractic session is not uncommon and can be a physical reaction to the release of tension from the body. Chiropractic adjustments can trigger a significant release of physical stress and tension that has been stored in the muscles and fascia. This release can sometimes provoke an emotional response, including tears, as the body processes these changes. It's a natural, therapeutic response for some individuals.
Chiropractic adjustments are not typically painful. Many people experience immediate relief of discomfort or improved mobility following an adjustment. However, it's common to feel slight soreness or discomfort after the treatment, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise program. This discomfort usually subsides within a day or two.