Chiropractic is a profession
specialising in the treatment of joint and muscle stiffness and pain
in the neck, back and limbs.
Chiropractors correct inadequate
functioning of the spine by manipulating the spinal joints. Spinal
problems can lead to arm or leg pain, such as sciatic nerve (leg and
foot) irritation. The chiropractor will look at both the spine and
the associated upper or lower limb musculature and treat
accordingly. A full medical examination and history is taken before
any treatment may be given. Patients are asked to undress and
provided with a gown for this purpose.
The chiropractor will deliver
manipulative treatment to any involved joint: this is known as an
adjustment and may result in a click or pop caused by microscopic
bubbles of gas coming out of solution from the lubricating joint
liquid (synovial fluid), as the joint is moved.
Treatment aims to restore normal
function of the muscles and joints and reduce pain. The
chiropractor also offers advice about lifestyle and posture, and
simple exercises to help strengthen the involved areas. The goal is
to prevent recurrence of a problem.
Numbers of treatments vary from
person to person depending on lifestyle, duration of the pain or
stiffness, and how often the person has had the condition before.
About 4-6 treatments are needed for a simple problem occurring for
the first time. For more complicated or long standing problems, a
rough guide might be 8 – 12 treatments.
Frequent visits are recommended
for the first few treatments; for example 2 or 3 times a week,
depending on the severity of the condition. With progress, the
frequency becomes less.
The chiropractor will discuss
your needs and progress at each visit, and assess you to make sure
you are improving and able to carry out any recommended exercises.
Conditions
treated
Include back and leg pain,
headache; neck, shoulder and arm pain, rib pain, and knee, ankle and
wrist problems.
