What is Chiropratic?

Chiropractic is a regulated health care profession which specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the spine, joints and muscles.

Chiropractors use their hands to detect and correct joint and muscle problems. Symptoms such as pain and stiffness are often the result of improper motion of joints. This may then lead to stretching, rubbing or pinching of nerve or muscle tissue. Unlike painkilling drugs, Chiropractic treats the cause of the pain, not just the pain itself.

Treatment consists of gently unlocking the stiff joints with skilled manipulations, known as adjustments. This may require a short impulse to a joint that results in a ‘pop’. This is simply the sound of bubbles of gas within the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.

Apart from the adjustment, your chiropractor is likely to use a variety of other techniques including massage, ice, ultrasound, taping, specific targeted stretching and muscle rehabilitation.

Chiropractors sometimes take and use x-rays and are also qualified to recognise general health problems as a GP would. You will have a thorough examination before any treatment. Should your problem turn out not to be suitable for Chiropractic care, you will be referred to the appropriate practitioner without delay.