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What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a primary health care profession that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular conditions. 

Chiropractic care is a natural and hands-on approach to health and wellness. Chiropractors focus on the spine and its connection to the nervous system. They use precise adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine. These adjustments can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being though maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Chiropractic care aims to allow your body to heal itself by ensuring that your spine is in proper alignment, which can positively impact various aspects of your health, from pain relief to improved function.

 

Do I Need To See My GP Before I Attend a Chiropractic Appointment?

Chiropractic is a Primary Health Care, which means you are not required to inform your General Practitioner about any chiropractic treatment that you have received. However, feel free to let them know if you wish.

 

What age can someone start seeing a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is suitable for individuals of all ages, from babies to seniors in their 90s and beyond. Chiropractors are trained to provide specialised care for different age groups. For infants and children, we have paediatric chiropractors who focus on gentle and safe adjustments tailored to their needs. 

As we age, chiropractic care remains valuable. Seniors often benefit from adjustments to improve mobility, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Chiropractors are skilled in adapting their techniques to suit each patient's age and condition. So whether it's a new born, a teenager, a middle-aged adult, or a senior, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of your journey to optimal health and well-being

 

What Can Chiropractors Treat?

The majority of Chiropractic patients do present with musculoskeletal/neurological complaints such as lower back and leg pain, neck and mid back pain, headaches along with shoulder and arm problems.  These symptoms are more often or not linked to misalignment in the spine which as a consequence effects the nervous system.

A growing number of patients are looking for help with more general health conditions and choose Chiropractic care to ensure optimal spinal function.

As part of their training Chiropractors also spend many hours learning the diagnosis and management of conditions relating to other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and the foot.

Treatment may involve joint manipulation and mobilisation along with muscle balancing and injury prevention advice. 

CHIROPRACTIC CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Is Chiropractic Suitable For Me?

Chiropractic is a drug-free, surgery-free, non-invasive treatment of the spine and associated conditions. It is a very low risk therapy.

A Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to recognise conditions that require referral elsewhere and will advise you if this is the case.

Even after certain spinal surgeries, a chiropractic check-up may be advisable in order to aid recovery.

Chiropractic care is safe for the whole family, from infants to the elderly, including pregnant women.

 

Can I Self-Adjust?

No, it's not recommended. Attempting to self-manipulate your joints can be risky. Some people might try to make their joints "pop," thinking they've made an adjustment, but this is not the case.

Self-adjustments can potentially cause damage, especially if you have weakened muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic adjustments are precise and require the expertise of a professionally trained chiropractor to administer.

Even chiropractors seek the care of their colleagues for their own chiropractic needs, highlighting the importance of professional guidance in this field.

 

What Happens During a Treatment?

During treatment, your chiropractor will choose specific hands-on or instrument-assisted techniques to improve your condition.

We will explain all these techniques, including hand placements on your body during your visit. However, should you have any questions or wish for further explanation, just ask.

 

Will A Chiropractic Treatment Hurt?

Chiropractic treatments are typically gentle and should not be painful. Our chiropractors are trained to use precise and controlled techniques to adjust your spine and joints. You may experience some mild discomfort during or after an adjustment, but this is usually temporary and part of the healing process. It's essential to communicate openly with your chiropractor about any discomfort you may feel during the treatment so they can make adjustments to ensure your comfort.

Many patients find chiropractic adjustments to be relieving and report feeling better afterward. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, please don't hesitate to discuss them with us. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we'll work closely with you to ensure a positive and pain-free experience.

 

Will I Be Sore After Treatment?

t's not uncommon to experience some mild soreness or discomfort after a chiropractic adjustment, and here's why: During your treatment, we work to realign your spine and musculoskeletal system. This process can involve stretching and repositioning your joints and muscles to restore proper function and alleviate pain.

Just as you might feel a bit sore after a workout, your body may respond to these adjustments with a similar feeling of tension or soreness. This is typically a positive sign that your body is responding to the treatment and starting to heal. It's also worth noting that this soreness is usually short-lived, lasting only a day or so.

To help minimise any discomfort, it's important to follow any post-adjustment instructions provided by your chiropractor. This may include staying hydrated, performing recommended stretches or exercises, and applying ice or heat as advised. Rest assured that this soreness is a natural part of the healing process and is usually followed by a noticeable improvement in how you feel.

 

Do I Have To Remove My Clothing?

Depending on the treatment that you require, the chiropractor may ask you to remove specific items of clothing. If that is the case, you will be informed and, if necessary, provided with a gown to wear.

If you are not comfortable undressing, talk to your chiropractor. They will advise you on suitable clothing to wear to enable them to examine and treat you.

At any time, you can request a family member or third person to be present during treatment.

 

How Many Visits Will I Need?

Thinking of choosing chiropractic care as a part of your wellness journey?

It's important to understand that the number of chiropractic treatments needed can vary widely from person to person. This variability is because each individual is unique, with their own health history, lifestyle, and specific needs.

During your initial assessment, we'll work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals. This plan may include the frequency and duration of visits required to achieve the best possible results.

It's important to remember that healing and progress often take time, and your commitment to your care plan will play a significant role in your outcomes. While some patients experience rapid relief, others may require more time and care due to the complexity of their condition.

Rest assured, our primary goal is your well-being, and we'll regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Please feel free to ask any questions or share your concerns throughout your care journey. We're here to provide you with the best possible care and support

Treatment visits do involve several factors including:

  • How healthy you are before starting care?
  • How proactive you are in your attitude to your health?
  • How old you are?
  • How healthy you want to be?
  • Your diet
  • Your posture.
  • What negative lifestyle factors you indulge in such as tobacco, alcohol, sugar, processed food?
  • Your attitude to reaching your health goals.


Most patients can expect to see improvements within a few weeks of starting chiropractic treatment. However, patients with complex, long-term or reoccurring conditions may require an extended care plan, depending on how quickly they respond to treatment.


What Are The Clicking Sounds With An Adjustment?

We are often asked what causes the popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment?

The popping or cracking sound you may hear during a chiropractic adjustment is entirely normal and often misunderstood. This sound is known as "cavitation," and it occurs when gas bubbles in the synovial fluid of your joints are released. When your chiropractor applies gentle, controlled pressure to a specific joint, it can momentarily separate the joint surfaces, creating a vacuum that allows these gas bubbles to escape.

It's important to note that the popping sound is not your bones cracking or breaking; it's just the release of gas, similar to the sound when you open a carbonated beverage. Many patients find this sound relieving, as it's often associated with reduced pressure and improved joint mobility. However, if you're uncomfortable with it, please let your chiropractor know, and they can discuss alternative techniques that don't produce this sound. Your comfort and understanding are our top priorities.

 

What If I Miss An Appointment? 

Our goal is to provide quality health care to all our patients in a timely manner. No-shows, late arrivals, and cancellations inconvenience not only affect the smooth running of the clinic, but our other patients as well. Please be aware of our policy regarding missed appointments.

We understand that sometimes, unexpected delays can occur.  If you need to cancel your appointment, we respectfully request at least 24 hour notice.

Our Policy:
Any cancellation or reschedule made less than 24 hours will result in a cancellation fee. 

If you are more than 10 minutes late for your treatment, we may not be able to accommodate you. In this case, the same cancellation fee will apply. We will do our very best to reschedule your treatment for another time that is convenient to you.

Late Cancellations/No-Shows:
A cancellation is considered late when the appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before the appointed time. A no-show is when a patient misses an appointment without cancelling. In either case, as a small business we require to charge the patient a missed appointment fee.

How to Cancel Your Appointment:
If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us on 07469205041 between the hours of 9am and 5.30pm. We will return your call as soon as possible if we are unable to answer.  Alternatively you may email us at contact@mernchiropractic.com

 

Can I Claim Chiropractic Treatment Via My Insurance?

Most insurance plans cover chiropractor visits that are medically necessary to alleviate body pain or treat an injury.  Please check beforehand with your provider to confirm your policy will cover treatment if you plan to claim back treatment costs.  

 

What Qualifications Do Chiropractors Have?

Chiropractors undergo a comprehensive and rigorous educational journey that is both extensive and similar to medical degrees in many aspects. To become a chiropractor, one typically completes a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program, which typically involves a minimum of four years.

During these years of education, chiropractors delve deeply into subjects like anatomy, physiology, neurology, and radiology. They also receive extensive clinical training, allowing them to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, chiropractic students study many of the same foundational sciences as medical students.

Chiropractors' are often trained expertise in spinal health and the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are trained to provide precise spinal adjustments to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. While the focus of their education may be different from medical doctors, chiropractors' commitment to patient care and their depth of knowledge are truly passionate. 

All Chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council and our Chiropractor is a member of both the Scottish Chiropractic Association and Royal College of Chiropractors.

30 hours minimum of Continuing Personal Development are carried out annually to ensure knowledge is kept current and many Chiropractors go on to complete Post Graduate Certificates to further their knowledge in a particular field.

To be accepted as a member of the Scottish Chiropractic Association, each Chiropractor must have graduated from an approved Chiropractic College / University involving a minimum 4-5 years of full time study.

Each member must adhere to the Association's Code of Practice. 

Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession (like medical doctors and doctors of dentistry) and all chiropractors must adhere to a strict code of conduct set by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The General Chiropractic Council in a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act 1994. It is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as a Chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.

If you decide to attend a chiropractor, make sure they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). By law, all chiropractors must be registered with the GCC.

In the UK it is illegal for anyone to use the title Chiropractor or to imply that they are a Chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). In order to use the title Doctor of Chiropractic, chiropractors must have undertaken the appropriate training, which is a GCC-accredited four/five year full-time integrated Masters in Chiropractic (MChiro).