What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession concerned with the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and your general health.
What does the treatment involve?
Chiropractic involves specific and often gentle treatment applied by hand to free joints and other areas of the body that are not moving properly. The treatment does not usually hurt. It can often involve manipulating the joints with a quick short thrust to restore correct function and movement. Occasionally an audible 'click' may be heard with chiropractic manipulation. This 'click' is the sound of gas bubbles popping in the joint fluid as the pressure is released.
Chiropractic treatment provides a safe and effective way to improve musculoskeletal dysfunction and reduce pain in a gentle and drug free way. The treatment is often supported by lifestyle advice and gentle rehabilitative exercise to maximise your recovery.
Your First Visit
The initial consultation will last approximately 45 minutes. I will start with talking to you about your health and your reasons for seeking chiropractic care. As well as discussing your health problem I will ask about your past health history and your general lifestyle. If chiropractic appears not to be suitable for you, I will refer you to your GP or an appropriate specialist. Your details are confidential and no one else will be able to see your notes without your permission.
I will then do a thorough assessment of how your muscles, joints and nervous system are working. During this initial examination it may be necessary to ask you to undress to your underwear and put on a gown. This will allow me to assess you properly and make an accurate diagnosis. It may be necessary to check out other systems such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes of your problem.
Once the examination has been completed, I will explain what I have found to be the cause of your health problem. Treatment may then be offered on the first visit. I will discuss what chiropractic treatment is appropriate for you, what to expect from the treatment and how many treatments I think you will need. During the course of the treatment programme, stretches and exercises may also be given to you to help you recover and prevent a recurrence of your problem.
Will I need an x-ray?
I am fully trained in the taking and reading of x-rays. I will decide if it is appropriate as to whether you will need an x-ray. If I feel it necessary for you to have an x-ray I will refer appropriately for this proceedure.
How Is Chiropractic Regulated?
Chiropractic is fully regulated by law by the General Chiropractic Council, and are the body established by parliament to regulate, develop and promote the chiropractic profession.
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act 1994.
The General Chiropractic Council is required to:
• Undertake checks on those who apply for registration to ensure that the applicant has a chiropractic qualification, is of good character and is physically and mentally fit
• Set and monitor standards of chiropractic profession.
• Set standards of education, practice and conduct
• To promote the profession of chiropractic, so that its contribution to the health of the nation is understood and recognised
For more information visit www.gcc-uk.org
Can anyone use the chiropractic title?
No! It is illegal in the UK for anyone to use the title of ‘chiropractor’ or imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council.
Since 14 June 2001 the title of 'chiropractor' has been protected by law and it is a criminal offence for anyone to describe themselves as any sort of chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.
British Chiropractic Association (BCA)
For more information about the chiropractic profession you can visit the British Chiropractic Association (BCA). The BCA are the longest and largest establisted association for chiropractors in the UK.
For more information visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk