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What to expect
Your initial visit and diagnosis
A Chiropractor will want to understand the root cause of your
condition, e.g., back pain. Chiropractors are trained to
investigate each patient's condition before considering treatment.
They will spend more time than a GP is normally able to allocate,
in order to deeply understand your symptoms. At your first
consultation, the Chiropractor will take a detailed medical
history including information about your lifestyle, such as your
level of physical activity, your work environment and your diet.
After your
history has been taken the Chiropractor will give you a thorough
physical examination, including any neurological or orthopaedic
tests and any x-rays which may be needed. You will be asked to
remove some of your clothing (it is helpful if you are able to
attend the visit in gym clothes) and perform a series of simple
movements. The Chiropractor will assess your condition by
observing your range of movement and by gently feeling your spine,
shoulders and muscles as you perform the movements.
A Chiropractor's
first concern is to find out what is wrong and also to check for
signs of any serious conditions which would require treatment by a
GP or at a hospital.
Your
treatment plan
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is
acutely tender or inflamed. Treatment may include specific
adjustments done by hand to free
stiff joints and reduce irritation in the spinal nerves. In
performing these adjustments the Chiropractor will apply carefully
directed and controlled pressure to a joint that is not moving
properly, to allow the body to
begin healing itself. The adjustment may take the form
of a quick movement, a slow constant pressure, or a combination of
the two. The extent of the treatment will depend on your
condition: sometimes only one area may be adjusted and other times
the spine may require adjustment in a number of areas. Your
Chiropractor may also recommend ice, heat or massage treatment
amongst other things.
Chiropractic
treatment will not hurt. Don't worry if your back or neck makes a
'popping' or 'clicking' sound, even very gentle manipulation can
result in an audible 'crack' which is simply the sound of gas
bubbles popping in the fluid of the joints as they are compressed
by the manipulation - this is perfectly normal. Its presence or
intensity varies from person to person and is not indicative of
effective treatment.
Chiropractors
also support the treatment they offer with individual advice about
the patient's lifestyle, work and exercise in order to help manage
the condition and prevent a recurrence of the problem. You will
most likely be asked to do exercises at home as part of your
treatment plan. This is an important part of the program and
should not be ignored.
The number of
visits you may need will depend on the nature and severity of you
condition, your responsiveness to the treatment and whether or not
you follow your Chiropractor's advice about home exercises.
Typically a treatment programme will require between two and six
visits.
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