Accurately identifying the cause of spinal pain or other discomfort almost
always requires a thorough consultation and examination. Just as every
individual is unique and different from the next, so too are the health
conditions they suffer and the treatments they require.
Doctors of Chiropractic are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment
of soft tissue injuries and abnormalities common to the spine, extremities
and rest of body. Rest assured that if you are suffering from back or
neck problems, extremity problems or other health related ailments chiropractic
can provide you with the effective professional relief you demand. If
your condition is out of the chiropractic scope or would be more appropriately
managed by another health care specialist, you will be referred to the
appropriate therapist.
Can Chiropractic Help Me?
Chiropractic has helped millions of people worldwide suffering from all
types of problems and not just back and neck ailments. Chiropractic works
mainly with joints, especially the spinal column and it's intimate relationship
with the nervous system - the major controller of all bodily functions.
By optimising spinal column structure and biomechanics, irritation and
stress are removed and pain relief and restoration of normal joint movement
can be achieved.
Numerous research studies have provided scientific evidence showing chiropractic
care is effective in the treatment of back and neck ailments. Chiropractic
also provide effective relief in other conditions affecting joints and
muscles in the body.
Doctors of chiropractic are best known for their success in treating back
and neck problems. Through the use of chiropractic spinal adjustments
and other highly specialised chiropractic techniques, chiropractors have
established themselves as the back and neck injury specialists. Many medical
experts are now coming to understand the true effectiveness of chiropractic
care and are recommending major changes in the way our health care system
manages many common spinal problems. According to a recent Ontario Ministry
of Health commissioned study on low-back pain:
"A very good case can be made for making chiropractors the gatekeepers
for management of low-back pain..."
How Long Will It Take?
While treatment lengths vary somewhat from person to person and from condition
to condition, there are a few rules of thumb you can follow.
First, newer injuries, if treated appropriately and immediately, tend
to respond to fewer visits assuming that major tissue injury has not occurred.
Many of these first time injuries can be effectively managed in as little
as 3 to 4 visits. Conditions that have been present for longer than 3
months and recurring conditions are generally more stubborn and difficult
to manage.
The only sure way to determine how long your treatment will take is to
schedule a consultation with your local Chiropractor.
For those of you who believe in just waiting for the problem to "go
away" on it's own - understand that the longer your condition has
been around, the more treatments it will eventually require to resolve.
How often do I need to come for Chiropractic treatment?
An average course of treatment may entail five or six treatments over
two or three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is
important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. In chronic
or recurrent conditions, check ups or maintenance treatment may be considered.
Discuss this with your Chiropractor, who will explain your treatment programme
to you.
How Much Will It Cost?
Costs vary and generally depend on the number of treatments required to
effectively treat your condition. A number of studies have shown that
chiropractic care is extremely cost effective when compared to other "medical"
forms of care for similar conditions. According to the 1993 Manga Report,
"There would be highly significant cost savings if more management
of low-back pain was transferred from physicians to chiropractors. Users
of chiropractic care have substantially lower health care costs, especially
inpatient costs, than those who use medical care only."
Note: We also offer different treatment plans and payment options, placing
chiropractic care within reach for all who wish to receive its benefits.
How long does Chiropractic treatment take?
The first consultation takes between 30 and 45 minutes,
and a treatment session about 15 minutes, but this will vary according
to your condition and your needs.
Will my doctor approve?
Increasingly, GPs are recognising Chiropractic as
an effective complementary treatment, particularly for back pain. You
do not need a GP's referral to visit a Chiropractor
Can I get treatment on the NHS?
Some GPs are able to purchase Chiropractic treatment
for their patients on the NHS. Many health insurance companies will now
pay for Chiropractic treatment.
Are Chiropractic Treatments Safe and Do They Hurt?
Chiropractic treatments are extremely safe for individuals
of all ages - from infants to 100 year olds. Our treatments are safe because
we only use natural and non-invasive methods of care. Research consistently
shows that care from chiropractors is among the safest care available
and is often safer than traditional medical care.
The treatments themselves are generally not painful.
In fact, most patients look forward to their treatments as many experience
instantaneous relief immediately afterwards. Individuals who present with
moderate to severe pain may experience some minor discomfort for obvious
reasons, however, care is always gentle, safe and non-invasive.
