Conditions
Conditions Treated
Chiropractic is a primary health care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions that are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints, particularly those of the spine, and their effects on the nervous system; working on all the joints of the body to make gentle specific adjustments (manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system and release the body’s natural healing ability.
Back Pain
Pelvic Pain
Stress-related Migraine
Poor Posture
Trapped Nerves
Neck Pain
Leg Pain
Chronic Pain
Arthritic Pain
Pregnancy Related
Arm Pain
Headaches
Sport Aches and Pains
Sciatica Related
And More
Helpful Guides
We encourage our patients and would-be patients to use the internet for information they seek. We have added a few related links and references for the Conditions Treated that may be helpful. Chiropractic care has been recommended for the relief of Back Pain, Neck Pain, Arm Pain, Pelvic Pain, Leg Pain, Cervicogenic Headaches and Chronic Pain. We have a link to the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and their current position on Back and Neck Pain. We also have a link to the NHS Back Pain Guide and Pages. We have references to evidenced based studies in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies.
Minor Sports Injuries, Poor Posture, Arthritic Pain, Sciatica-Related, Trapped Nerves, Pregnancy-Related aches can also be helped in relation to back pain, neck pain, arm pain, pelvic girdle, leg pain and cervicogenic headaches associated with these conditions. Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been shown to benefit patients who report stress as a major factor for their migraine . Many people struggle with long-term pain. Some may be due to a painful diagnosed condition such as arthritis . Others may have a painful condition that medical science does not fully understand, such as long-term non-specific back pain. Most cases of back pain are not caused by serious damage or disease but by minor sprains, strains or injuries, or a pinched or irritated nerve. These types of back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home or at work, or they can develop gradually over time. Chiropractic care can be part of a pain management programme involving treatment, posture correction and exercise. The link to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) webpage is about guidelines to osteoarthritis and the message to patients is that pain does not always mean harm. There are also recommendations for non-invasive treatments for low back pain and sciatica. There are a number of effective treatment and management options available. The Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) guideline for chiropractors on this subject and more is here. Examples for management of Sciatica Related pain is shown here.
Please browse our Newsletters for information on Sciatica, Chiropractic for Life, Do You Know Pain? and advice on topical articles with relevant information on various health related issues.
Lower back pain is the most common back pain. It is estimated that in the UK, around 8 out of 10 adults are affected by back pain some time in their lives. Chiropractors can also recommend exercise and posture control to manage back and neck pain. Results of a study concluded that for acute and subacute neck pain, spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and instructional sessions of home exercise with advice (HEA) were more effective than medication in both the short and long term. Chiropractors practice both SMT and recommend exercise as part of their care management approach.
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has developed a simple programme of exercises Straighten Up UK, to help people get more active, as well as preventing back pain in both adults and children. Easy to learn and do, it consists of precise, slow stretches, each with a specific purpose.Visit the BCA website to see instructional videos.
In 2008 NHS NE Essex initiated a service that utilised chiropractors and other manual therapists working in the independent sector to deliver treatment for back and neck pain. Evaluation of the service by the PCT after the first 12 months of offering patients a choice of any qualified provider identified improved patient access and choice meaning early treatment and improved outcomes; and reduced primary care consultations, imaging, medication costs and inappropriate referrals to secondary care. Referrals to spinal surgeons reduced by more than 25%. This service was awarded an NHS Alliance Acorn award in 2009. (Please see a Model Service in link to BCA – Back and Neck Pain).
Taking Case History
You first meeting will start with a discussion about you, your health and reason for asking for chiropractic help. You will be asked about your presenting complaint and also about your health history to establish an overall health picture.
Report of findings
Once we have diagnosed the problem, we will explain what is wrong with you and discuss the choices you have, which may include referring you to another specialist.
If chiropractic can help, we will explain your treatment options simply and clearly and give you all the information you need to decide what is best for you.
Examination
Once the case history is complete, a thorough examination will take place, including orthopaedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests to check your nerves, muscles and joints.
X-rays will then be taken if necessary. X-rays are taken to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out conditions which may not be amenable to Chiropractic care. In some instances, medical intervention is what is required.
Pain Relief
Many of our patients come to us with a presenting complaint needing immediate attention. The examination and findings will indicate the course of treatment required.
Generally, the treatment plan will require several visits. Your chiropractor will explain your treatment options. The first option is to be as pain free as possible in the shortest time possible.
After pain relief is achieved, you will be offered a choice of either Maintenance Care or Wellness Care.
Maintenance Care
Many of our patients continue to visit us for Maintenance Care to reduce the recurrence of the symptoms. These are periodic checkups relating to the nerves, muscles and joints.
Many of our long term patients have Maintenance Care every few months.
Wellness Care
Wellness Care is a more comprehensive programme and includes lifestyle management, nutritional assessment and exercise programmes.
Our chiropractors will recommend instructional sessions of home exercise with advice (HEA). Results of a study has concluded that for acute and subacute neck pain, spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and instructional sessions of home exercise with advice (HEA) were more effective than medication in both the short and long term. This programme requires the active participation of the patient and for those who are able to perform exercises constitute part of Wellness Care. Re-assessment is an essential aspect of this approach.
Patients will also have the opportunity to avail themselves of the services of a massage therapist to reduce stress levels and help them relax.
Patients who chose this type of care are normally happy to come for more frequent visits and are looking to maintain their body in the best possible health.
