What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors care for patients of all ages, dealing with
a variety of health conditions. They are most well known
for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain,
neck pain and headaches amongst others. They also provide
care for patients with a wide range of injuries and
disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system as well as
injuries and disorders involving the muscles, ligaments
and joints.
These painful conditions often involve or impact the
nervous system, which can cause referred pain and
dysfunction in an area of the body which is not in the
region of the injury. Chiropractic care can also be
beneficial to general health issues, as well, since our
body structure affects our overall function. Chiropractors
can also give out advice on a patients diet, nutrition,
exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle
modification..
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest
drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the
treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. However
despite chiropractic having an excellent safety record, no
health treatment is completely free of potential adverse
effects. That being said, the risks associated with
chiropractic are very small.
Many patients will feel immediate relief following
chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild
discomfort in the form of mild soreness, stiffness or
aching, just as they do when first undertaking most forms
of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomforts
such as these typically fade within 24 hours after
undergoing spinal manipulation.
Chiropractors are well trained professionals who provide
safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions.
Their extensive education and training has prepared them
to identify patients who have special risk factors and to
get those patients the most appropriate care, even if the
appropriate care requires referral to a medical
specialist.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from a GP?
A referral is usually not needed to see a chiropractor, however your health plan may have specific requirements regarding referrals. To find out if there are any referral requirements you may want to contact your employer’s human resources department or the insurance plan directly. Most plans allow you to call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the skills developed during years of intensive chiropractic education. The chiropractic physician will usually use their hands or an instrument to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This will often help to resolve joint inflammation and reduce the patient's pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort and the chiropractor will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately after receiving treatment.
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor. Initially a treatment plan would include 3-4 appointments regularly to track progress and then after a review a maintenance plan can then be adhered to which only requires treatment every so often. This course of treatment also involves the patient practising exercises and sometimes stretches at home which work alongside the chiropractic treatment. Your chiropractor should tell you the extent of recommended treatment including the expected time frame for completion on the first visit so that the patient is aware of what is required of them.
