FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why might I go to a Chiropractor?

Even though the first thing that may spring to mind is that 'Chiropractors treat bad backs' - which they certainly do very successfully - today's chiropractors also diagnose and treat other musculoskeletal disorders as well as a number of other conditions.

• Spine, neck and shoulder problems
• Joint, posture and muscular problems
• Leg pain and sciatica
• Sports injuries

You may also see improvement in some types of

• Asthma
• Headaches and Migraines
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Period Pains
• Infantile Colic

What is Chiropractic?

"Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, measurement and prevention of medical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is a manipulation or adjustment".
(World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999)
By restoring normal function to the musculoskeletel system, Chiropractors can play a major part in relieving disorders, and accompanying pain or discomfort, arising from accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and the everyday wear and tear that happens to all of us.
At Advanced Health we take a holistic approach to your health and well-being. This means that we consider your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances.back to the top

What happens when I visit the clinic for the first time?

Your first visit will last between 45 minutes and an hour. During that time the Chiropractor will -

• Take a full case history
• Ask you to undress down to your underwear in private and provide you with a gown.
• Ask your permission before giving you a thorough physical examination including checking your blood pressure, orthopaedic and neurological tests.

Our first concern is to find out the cause of you symptoms and also to check for signs of any serious condition for which you need to be referred to your GP or hosptial.back to the top

What do I need to know before my treatment starts?

Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your Chiropractor. Before your treatment starts your Chiropractor will explain clearly -

• What they found in the examination
• The proposed treatment plan
• The probability of risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.
• Any recommendations of lifestyle changes that need to be addressed in order for you to get better as quickly as possible.

Your Chiropractor or Clinic Assistant (CA) will tell you how much you will need to pay.

Please ask as many questions asyou need in order to be sure that you understand what you have been told. Your Chiropractor will then ask you to give your permission for treatment, we call ths informed consent.back to the top

How many visits will I need?

This will depend on

• Your particular condition
• How severe it is
• How long you have had the condition
• Your response to treatment
• How much of your Chiropractors advice you follow.

Following your first examinsation and diagnosis any further visits to your Chiropractor will last for approximately 10 minutes. Your Chiropractor will give you advice on self-help diet, lifestyle and exercise. It is very important that you follow this advice in order to get the best out of your care. Your Chiropractor will discuss carrying out further investigations or referring you to your GP if your condition does not improve.back to the top

Will the treatment hurt?

Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed, in which case treatment will be modified. Don't worry if you hear popping or clicking noises when one of your arm joints is being adjusted. This is perfectly normal and simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.

There is, however, no instant cure and some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as pain and soreness around the areas being treated, tiredness or flu-like symptoms. Treatment of the neck may give light-headedness and occasionally a short lived headache. On the other hand, you are likely to notice a decrease in pain, increase in movemment and more energised. It is important that you talk to us if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment .back to the top

Do I need to contact my GP?

You do not need to inform your GP unless you want to. With your permission we will write to your GP giving them our diagnosis and letting them know that we are treating you. This is important as your GP holds your full medical records. So it is in your interest for them to be kept up to date. If an insurance company is paying for your treatment they may require a referral from your GP before we treat you. back to the top

Do I need to pay for my treatment?

Many GP's recommend Chiropractic care to their patients. Unfortunately, the NHS does not usually pay for it. Because of this it is likely that you will have to pay for treatment yourself. However, if you have private health insurance, check that it covers treatment by our Chiropractors. If so, you may be able to claim all or part of the cost.

Why do I need to visit the clinic when I am not in pain?

When you have completed your treatment plan our Chiropractors will normally recommend that you visit us for maintenance care. This allows us to check your joints for any dysfunction before it leads to symptoms. It helps keep you mobile and prevent your condition from re-occurring.back to the top