Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic.

• Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?
• Is chiropractic safe?
• What about my GP – do I need a referral?
• Will I need an x-ray, scan, blood test etc?
• Does the treatment hurt?
• How soon will I feel better?
• How often do I need to go?
• Will I have to do exercises or change what I do?
• Will I be given drugs or injections?
• Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?
• Can babies and children be treated?
• Is chiropractic suitable for sports people?

Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractic is a regulated profession and it is illegal for anyone to call themselves a ‘chiropractor’ or claiming to provide chiropractic treatment without being registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).

All chiropractors have to undergo Continuing Professional Development to maintain their license to practise.

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Is chiropractic safe?  

Yes, chiropractic treatment has been proven to be remarkably safe. Chiropractic is a holistic, non-invasive approach to health. No surgery or drugs are involved, however we appreciate the benefits of certain painkilling and anti-inflammatory medication during the acute phases of an injury. Chiropractic is the worlds third largest health care profession after medicine and dentistry and over the past 100 years millions of people have found help from chiropractic care, even after surgery.

Over the years various people have expressed concerns about the safety of neck manipulation in the treatment of neck pain and headaches. However, research suggests that these concerns are likely to be unfounded. For more information on this subject please click here.

No treatment is completely risk free. Your chiropractor will inform you of your diagnosis. If he considers you suitable for chiropractic care, he will outline a treatment plan, explain any possible risks and side effects, and discuss any concerns you may have prior to commencing with treatment.

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What about my GP – do I need a referral?

Unless your medical insurance requires a GP referral you do not need to see your GP before coming here. Virtually all GPs will be quite happy for you to choose to have chiropractic treatment. However, despite both The General Practitioners Committee and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending chiropractic for low back pain not all GPs know enough about our profession to suggest it to you. There is also research evidence supporting the use of chiropractic for sciatica, neck pain, certain types of headaches, migraine prevention, shoulder pain including rotator cuff injuries, hip and knee arthritis, tension and inability to relax and more.

In general we enjoy a good working relationship with the more traditional medical professions and we regularly receive referrals from GPs and medical doctors and specialists.

We like to send your GP a letter outlining your reason for seeking our help and how we have got on. However, unless we, for medical reasons, consider it in your best interest, we will not do so unless you give your written consent.

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Will I need and x-ray, scan, blood test etc.?

In the past it was common for chiropractors to have their own x-ray equipment and to x-ray nearly all new chiropractic patients. However, routinely using x-rays for back pain and neck pain is proven to be a pointless exercise that serves little other purpose than exposing people to ionising radiation unnecessarily. Regardless of this a few clinics will still x-ray most, if not all of their new patients. Some charge for the service and others may include it in the consultation price. Especially in the second scenario you should be wary of the practitioner using the x-ray to convince you that your back is ‘really bad’ and that you will need ‘a lot of treatment’ to put it right. So, in the long run there is usually only ever one person who ends up paying for the x-ray. YOU.  – Research link –

In theory all decisions to take x-rays have to comply with Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR) and the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER). If your Park View chiropractor decides that further investigations are required we can organise x-rays, scans, blood tests or specialist appointments. If you are happy to pay for these we can refer you directly as a private patient – if not, we can liaise with your GP to set up the appropriate investigation. Most medical insurance policies require GP or medical consultant referral to pay out for these.

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Does the treatment hurt?  

Well, it depends. If acute muscle spasm and/or inflammation are present in the area to be treated some discomfort is unavoidable. Your chiropractor will ask you for feedback on the severity of the pain you feel and adjust the treatment accordingly. You may also experience some soreness after the treatment – rarely a bruise. This will soon pass as your body begins to heal and adjust. Your chiropractor will be able to tell you if this is likely to happen and how to minimise any discomfort.

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How soon will I feel better?  

This will depend on the individual problem, how long you’ve had it, how bad it is and how many areas and tissues are affected. Whilst every patient reacts differently, your chiropractor will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. Most patients do express feeling ‘better’ or ‘lighter’ after just one or two treatments, but in general, the longer you’ve had it, the longer it will take to get better. Your commitment to the recommended treatment plan, home exercises, and any postural and lifestyle adjustments will also determine your treatment outcome and your long term benefits from chiropractic care.

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How often do I need to go?  

The frequency and the amount of treatment you require depend on several factors: Your specific health problem, how long you have had it, how severe it is, how many areas and tissues have become affected and to what extent etc. Your individual treatment plan and how well you are likely to get will be explained during your initial consultation. Your goals are very important in determining this – do you just want crisis care for pain relief or are you looking for a more permanent solution? Most people we consider will benefit opt for the full 3-stage care package but ultimately it is up to you to decide how long you wish to benefit from chiropractic care. The 3 stages of care:

1. Crisis care (once or twice per week) to provide pain relief and postural stability. Usually 2-4 weeks.
2. Rehabilitative care (weekly to fortnightly) to complete healing of the condition. Strengthening and re-education of the affected muscles. Usually 4-6 weeks.
3. Maintenance care – Ongoing – usually once every 2-4 months. To minimise the risk of recurrences and to optimise function and performance. January 2011 research evidence here.

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Will I have to do exercises or change what I do?

The majority of people will benefit from self-help advice and exercises. Your chiropractor will determine when your are ready and instruct you on what to do. Your chiropractor’s recommendations are intended to help you recover quicker and with better long term results, providing a future with less pain and less need for treatment. We cannot force you to follow the advise but we believe it is in your best interest to do so.

A vastly underrated exercise is walking and we nearly all do too little of it. As long as you can walk a little way without pain this is a good place to start. Further self-help advice can be found here.

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Will I be given drugs or injections?  

No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved although we appreciate the benefits of certain painkilling and anti-inflammatory medication during the acute phases of an injury. Painkilling medication should only be used to allow more comfortable rest periods – NOT to carry on as if nothing is wrong. Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health. Chiropractic works by identifying the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the joints of your body. Instead of putting something in or taking something out of the body, the inborn power of the body to heal itself is restored. Painkillers may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able to function normally without pain and without painkillers.

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Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?  

Yes, chiropractic treatment is suitable and safe throughout the pregnancy and after giving birth. Chiropractic care can help with common problems associated with pregnancy such as pain in the back, neck and shoulders, joint and muscle aches and pains.

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Can children be treated?  

Yes, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment techniques used with young children obviously differ dramatically from those of most adults. Talk to your chiropractor to find out more.

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Is chiropractic suitable for sports people?  

Yes. In essence sports people are no different from ‘normal’ people. However, sports performance often puts higher demands on the structure and function of the muscles and joints and therefore athletes may require a higher intensity and frequency of treatment.

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