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What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is a holistic healthcare discipline with a focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine.

Taking a non-invasive approach that emphasises spinal adjustment techniques, chiropractic care aims to enhance overall health and alleviate pain.

But what exactly is chiropractic, and how does it work?

In this article, we explore the history, benefits, and practices of chiropractic care to provide a comprehensive understanding of this widely practised healthcare field.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

History Of Chiropractic

Modern chiropractic care was developed in the late 19th century by Daniel David Palmer. He proposed that spinal misalignments were the root cause of many health issues. Palmer subsequently treated a range of conditions using manual manipulations of the spinal column (Origins And History Of Chiropractic).

In 1898, he opened the Palmer School & Infirmary of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. From this school, Palmer began teaching his techniques to a new generation of healers.

In a few short years, chiropractic care has become a regulated healthcare profession. Since then, it has evolved into a globally recognised healthcare practice, integrating scientific advancements while maintaining its core principle of spinal health.

The first professional association for chiropractors in the UK was founded in 1925. Many chiropractors in the UK are now members of a dedicated professional association.

The youngest and most dynamic, the United Chiropractic Association (UCA), has seen its membership grow steadily since 2000 (United Chiropractic Association). All members of these professional associations are required to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).

The chiropractic profession is now regulated by UK law. The 1994 Chiropractors Act provides statutory regulation for the profession, with the GCC acting as the regulator (GCC Regulation).

Importantly, only chiropractors with the necessary training and qualifications can register with the GCC, and it is illegal to practise as a chiropractor without being registered.

At CHIRO WORKS, all our chiropractors are UCA members (Meet The Team). The UCA stands behind the underlying principle of chiropractic: “healthy spine, healthier life.” As UCA chiropractors, we offer expert drug-free spinal health care and lifestyle advice, helping you to lead and maintain a healthy life.

How Chiropractic Care Works

Chiropractic care is based on the premise that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally. By focusing on these principles, chiropractic care can help treat a range of conditions.

Chiropractors utilise a variety of techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions. A cornerstone of chiropractic treatment involves specific manipulations that are aimed at freeing up joints in the spine (or other areas of the body) that are not functioning properly.

Spinal manipulations (“adjustments”) are used to correct misalignments (irritation) in the spine. These adjustments help restore proper nerve function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

In addition to these manual adjustments, chiropractors may use a variety of other techniques, including ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, and exercise programs. These methods can complement the manual treatments, facilitating a holistic approach to healing.

Chiropractors also offer valuable advice on posture and lifestyle changes. It is especially important that patients understand how their daily habits may be contributing to their discomfort.

Chiropractors can advise on ergonomic setups at work, stretching routines to incorporate into daily life, or dietary adjustments to support overall health.

By combining these various techniques and insights, chiropractors address the immediate pain, promote sustained well-being, and help prevent future issues.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your physical health, chiropractors offer a personalised and holistic approach to meet your needs.

Benefits Of Chiropractic Care

In addition to improving mobility and enhancing nervous system function, chiropractic care offers numerous other benefits. Most importantly, chiropractic care offers a viable patient-centred alternative to invasive surgery and pain medication.

In the UK, musculoskeletal disorders are known to place a heavy burden on the NHS. Conventional treatments for musculoskeletal issues often require a hospital visit. As an alternative, chiropractors offer an effective non-invasive approach to treating back and neck pain (Chiropractic And The NHS).

Recent problems with opioid overprescription have prompted many health organisations to recommend the use of drug-free approaches for pain relief as a first line of treatment (Painkillers Don’t Exist).

Chiropractic care can help patients with musculoskeletal conditions to reduce or avoid the need for prescription pain medications (Role Of Chiropractic Care In The Treatment Of Chronic Pain).

A summary of the benefits of chiropractic care:

  • Improved Mobility
  • Enhanced Nervous System Function
  • Personalised Care
  • Drug-Free Pain Relief
  • Non-Invasive Treatment

Why See A Chiropractor?

If you are afflicted with pain or struggling with day-to-day activities (e.g., problems sitting at work, with prolonged standing, with gardening, with driving, or have difficulty sleeping at night) you may benefit from seeing a Chiropractor.

People seek chiropractic care for various reasons, including:

  • Pain Management: Relief from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and migraines.
  • Injury Recovery: Rehabilitation from sports injuries, car accidents, or work-related injuries.
  • Preventative Care: Maintaining spinal health and preventing future issues.
  • Improved Quality Of Life: Enhancing overall wellness and physical performance.

At CHIRO WORKS, we offer a 15-minute complimentary consultation. Here, you can speak to the chiropractor, and they can assess your suitability for treatment.

What Does Chiropractic Treat?

Chiropractic care can address a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Back And Neck Pain: Alleviating discomfort caused by spinal misalignments, muscle tension, and degenerative conditions.
  • Headaches And Migraines: Reducing the frequency and severity of headaches through spinal adjustments.
  • Joint Pain: Treating pain in the shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints.
  • Sports Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injuries and improve performance.
  • Sciatica: Relieving pain caused by sciatic nerve compression.
  • Postural Issues: Correcting poor posture and preventing related health problems.

A comprehensive list of the symptoms we treat is provided here.

What To Expect In A Chiropractic Treatment?

What Is Involved In Chiropractic Treatment?

A typical chiropractic treatment involves several steps:

  • Initial Consultation: The chiropractor reviews the patient’s medical history and discusses their symptoms and health goals.
  • Physical Examination: The chiropractor conducts a thorough examination, which may include posture analysis, range of motion tests, and palpation of the spine and joints.
  • Diagnosis: Based on the consultation and examination, the chiropractor diagnoses the condition and develops a personalised treatment plan.
  • Adjustments: The chiropractor performs manual adjustments to correct spinal misalignments and restore proper function.
  • Additional Therapies: Depending on the patient’s needs, the chiropractor may also use other treatments such as massage therapy, stretching exercises, and nutritional advice.
  • Follow-Up Care: The chiropractor monitors the patient’s progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.

Chiropractic Treatment At CHIRO WORKS

At CHIRO WORKS, a first consultation for a new chiropractic patient costs £70 for 45 minutes (New Patient Booking). After discussing your health history, and health goals, we will perform a thorough examination.

The examination will include Postural/ Structural Analysis, Spinal Analysis, Neurologic Testing, Orthopaedic Testing, and a Range of Motion Assessment. The purpose of these tests is to ascertain if your spine has an imbalance, and if it does, what are the potential causes.

To address the causes of your condition, we usually look at your lifestyle, emotional stress, and working conditions.

At the next appointment, we will report the results of our assessment and outline a treatment plan tailored for you. We will discuss what we can do, what you can do, how many visits you will need, and what the cost will be for your treatment plan.

When we have discussed your treatment plan and answered any questions, we will perform your first adjustment.

Conclusion: What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is a holistic and non-invasive approach to healthcare that focuses on maintaining the health of the spine and nervous system.

By addressing spinal misalignments and promoting optimal nervous system function, chiropractic care offers numerous benefits, including pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall health.

Chiropractic has developed over the last century into a well-respected and widely practised healthcare discipline. Chiropractors are dedicated professionals who provide personalised care to help their patients achieve their health goals.

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to improve your overall well-being, chiropractic care can offer a natural and effective solution.

For those considering chiropractic care, it’s important to consult with a qualified chiropractor to discuss your specific needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual health goals.

By taking a proactive approach to spinal health, you can enjoy the many benefits that chiropractic care has to offer and achieve a higher quality of life.

Gerard Haughey

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