Chiropractic

Chiropractic is used mainly for disorders of the musculoskeletal system such as spine, neck and shoulder problems; migraine and tension headaches; joint, posture and muscle problems; sciatica; sports injuries; whiplash and repetitive strain injury. It may also be used for asthma; digestive disorders; menstrual pain and infant colic.

A Medical Research Council clinical trial, reported in the British Medical Journal in 1990, found that chiropractic treatment of back pain was 29% more effective than hospital outpatient treatment. A follow-up trial in 1995 confirmed these results and found that chiropractic patients were, on the whole, more satisfied than those who had conventional hospital outpatient treatment for back pain. The Royal College of General Practitioners recommends manipulation for acute and sub-acute back pain.

Your first visit will last between 30 minutes and 1½ hours. The chiropractor will take a full case history and ask about your condition, which illnesses and injuries you have had, the kind of work you do and even about the type of bed you sleep on. You will be asked to take most of your clothes off, except your underwear, and be given a gown to put on. You will be able to do this in private. The chiropractor will ask you to agree to a physical examination and may also check your pulse, heart, blood pressure and lungs. If they think it is necessary, the chiropractor may also request an x-ray.

Before your treatments start the chiropractor should explain what the examination found, how they plans to treat you and whether there are any risks associated with your condition or the treatment. Treatments usually last around 15-20 minutes, and involve the chiropractor making adjustments to the spine.

Your chiropractor can also suggest ways you can help yourself, such as exercise and diet. Most health conditions are treated within 4 to 12 sessions, depending on the nature of the complaint and how long you have had it. The chiropractor may suggest follow-up treatments at regular intervals.

It is quite common to feel some mild discomfort or tiredness straight after treatment. If these go on longer or you feel much worse you should tell your chiropractor straight away.

You should not use chiropractic treatment if you have severe osteoporosis, malignant or inflammatory spine conditions or recent fractures, or if you are on anti-clotting drugs or some steroids.

There has been some discussion about the potential risks associated with manipulation of the upper spine at the neck, which is one element of chiropractic treatment and is also used by doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths. The BMJ’s clinical evidence website puts the risk of a stroke at between 1 and 3 in 1 million manipulations.  A review which looked at the relative risks associated with the use of spinal manipulation for neck pain and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs concluded that manipulation was much safer (by as much as several hundred times) than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The chiropractic profession is regulated by law. The General Chiropractic Council is the regulatory body and, in the UK, only chiropractors who are registered with the General Chiropractic Council are allowed to call themselves chiropractors.

To find chiropractors in your area contact the General Chiropractic Council or look in your local telephone directory.

Treatment costs from between £25 and £45 a session. The first appointment will cost more, from between £30 to £60 upwards, because it will usually be a longer appointment. Some health insurance schemes and medical cash plans cover chiropractic treatment.