10 Things Everyone Should Know About Chiropractic Care
1. The word ‘chiropractic’ means ‘hands-on care’
‘Chiropractic’ has Greek origins and comes from two words that together mean ‘hands-on care’ which is a great description for what chiropractic treatment consists of. We use controlled force, usually with our hands, to restore movement to your joints. We focus on caring for your muscles, bones, joints and overall health and offer exercise and lifestyle counselling.
2. Chiropractors treat muscles, muscle attachments, and joints
Most people who visit us at Life Chiropractic have back or neck pain but our chiropractors also treat a variety of muscle and joint problems. Chiropractic care works well for people with back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash injuries, and joint problems of the arms or legs. It is also well-recommended for easing aches and pains during pregnancy.
3. Chiropractic care is suitable for all ages
We’re a family-friendly clinic, and believe chiropractic treatment is suitable for the young, the old and all those in between. We see chiropractic care as a way of life, something to keep peoples’ bodies running at the best they possibly can at all time. It’s not a treatment solely for those that are suffering with current joint pains, but something to stop pains reoccurring and keep people living active lifestyles. This means it is applicable for all ages, whether a child or more mature adult. We also offer family discounts as an incentive for families to regularly fit chiropractic care into their lifestyles.
4. Chiropractors have had extensive education and training
The title of chiropractor is protected under law and to enter the career in the UK you must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). This is the statutory body that is responsible for regulating the practice of chiropractic in the UK. To be accepted onto the GCC register, you must have successfully completed a GCC recognised degree, which generally take four-five years of training to complete. The chiropractor qualification provides practical training in adjustment and supervised clinical training and covers subjects such as: anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, physiology, orthopaedics and diagnosis.
5. You’ll have a physical examination at your first appointment
At Life Chiropractic, the chiropractor you meet with will ask about your problem and do a physical examination at the start of your visit. We will take X-rays if necessary. If spinal manipulation might help, you may get treatment at your first visit. If we believe you need to return for more treatments then we will advise how many visits you should expect but we recommend on-going chiropractic treatment becomes part of your everyday life to continue optimum wellness. We believe in education being part of the chiropractic treatment process.
6. The amount of treatment needed will vary
It’s essential to note that the duration and amount of chiropractic treatments needed can vary based on individual needs and the nature of the condition presented with, as well as the chiropractor’s approach. Some patients may require more frequent visits, depending on their specific health goals and conditions. Communication with the chiropractor about individual preferences and expectations can help ensure that the treatment plan aligns with the patient’s needs.
The body’s response to chiropractic adjustments involves various physiological processes. Shorter sessions help prevent overstimulation of the nervous system, allowing the body to adapt gradually to the changes introduced during the adjustment. This is particularly important during the intense phase of care.
7. Chiropractic manipulation is usually not painful
It’s no secret that chiropractors often use their hands to do the manipulation. You may hear a popping sound during the treatment, which is similar to what you hear when you crack your knuckles. We encourage our clients to have an easy open dialogue with their chiropractor and feel happy to say when they are not comfortable with a manipulation or massage technique. We recommend following your treatment with a warm bath or shower and gentle stretching to relax your muscles and ease any soreness, as well as drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
8. Pain is the last symptom of dysfunction
A patient’s back is often restricted or unstable for a long while before it becomes a known problem requiring treatment. Just because people can’t feel any pain, does not mean the dysfunction is not occurring. Additionally, the dysfunction that causes the pain will still persist despite any painkillers that are taken which help to mask discomfort.
9. Athletes visit chiropractors to stay well and perform better
Many athletes choose to use chiropractors because they specialise in movement. As well as being able to treat injuries, chiropractors are capable of helping athletes remain in a top physical state. Major athletes and sports teams keep chiropractors nearby to help prevent injuries, speed injury recovery, improve balance and coordination and give them a greater competitive edge.
10. Chiropractors can’t fix your back
But they can restore correct motion in the joints, which in turn will relieve tension on the nerves and muscles and allows your body to start healing itself. Chiropractors believe that the body is a perfect organism in its natural state, and all disease and illness comes from a disruption in the transmission of signals throughout the body by the nerves. This affects its ability to heal and to defend against disease-causing agents. Chiropractors don’t treat disease. Instead, they assess the body to find which spinal levels are causing the dysfunction, and then adjust it to restore proper nerve flow so the nervous system can work as efficiently as possible.
