Chiropractic is the world’s largest non-surgical, non-drug prescribing, primary health care profession. It is a natural approach to health, concentrating on the relationship between the function of your spine and the impact this has on your nervous system.

One of the main roles your spine has is to protect your spinal cord.

This is very important as your nervous system controls everything in your body – from your muscles, ligaments and organs to every living cell. Therefore it follows that a healthy spine promotes an optimally functioning nervous system which is critical in terms of maintaining whole body health.

The primary goal of Chiropractic care is to restore normal function within the spine thus restoring normal nerve function to resolve pain and improve vitality, wellness and quality of life.

What Results Can I Expect?

Many new patients want to know how many treatments they will require. Everyone’s body is unique; therefore response to treatment varies from person to person.

Patients with more long term chronic problems tend to require a longer treatment plan compared to those who present to the clinic within the first 1-6 weeks of injury.

Overall, most people experience benefit soon after beginning care. Research shows that Chiropractic care is more effective, economical and gives longer results for disorders of the spine than any other forms of health care.

Are There Any Risks?

Yes, as with any form of health care or any medication there are some associated risks. Some people may feel slight soreness following their first few adjustments as the body responds to care.

There are some very rare risks of infrequent strain/injury to ligaments or discs in the neck (less then 1 in 139,000) or low back (1 in 62,000).

There is also an extremely rare risk of stroke associated with adjustments of the neck which all published studies agree is low. The most recent published in 2001 by the Canadian Medical Association Journal puts such an event at one in 5.85 million adjustments.

Who Can Benefit?

Chiropractors treat everyone from new born babies who suffer from birth trauma to the elderly with arthritic conditions.

 There are many different techniques that can be used given the condition and patient. A full examination is performed and case history taken to determine the best treatment plan for you at this time

 Chiropractic is also very effective for the treatment of sports injuries, headaches, migraines, repetitive strain injury, whiplash and much more!

Do adjustments Hurt?

In most cases not at all, in fact most people find having an adjustment a very relaxing experience. With some adjustments you may sometimes hear or feel a popping sound. This is simply caused by gas being released from the spinal joints, such as when a champagne cork is released!

Some chiropractors use a hand held device to adjust the spine. Others use pelvic blocks, drop tables, low amplitude thrusts or light pressure techniques.

 Whatever the technique, Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength to conduct safe, effective adjustments to the skeletal system.

Further Information

If you have any questions about Chiropractic care, please talk to Gemma or Patrick and they will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

New Patient Do’s and Don’ts

1.     If you are sore then apply an ice pack covered in a towel. Apply for 10-15 min

every 1-2 hours.  This can be repeated as often as necessary. Alternatively use ‘Polar Ice’ or ‘ Biofreeze Gel’ 4 x per day or 2.              

2.     Never use heat after a treatment – this can make a reaction worse. If heat is indicated later in your treatment programme your chiropractor will discuss how to apply it

3.     After your adjustment drink plenty of water – at least 1 pint

4.     If you have neck pain sleep with one pillow. Roll a hand towel up and place it on top of the pillow. The towel is designed to support the curvature of the neck

5.     Sleep on your back with 1 or 2 pillows under your knees or on your side with a small pillow between your knees.  Never sleep on your front

6.     Be very careful lifting, bending, pulling and dragging. As a rule if you are comfortable it is fine but if you feel pain – STOP!

7.     Avoid crossing your legs.  Men should remove their wallet from their back pocket. Both place undue pressure on the pelvis.

8.     When sitting/driving your knees should be level to or lower than your pelvic bone.

Please do not do any of the above with consulting a Chiropractor or GP first.