Chiropractors are fully registered practitioners who try to identify and treat pain in those suffering with problems of the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, particularly of those relating to the spine. They aim is to restore normal purpose of the body. They rely on using a hands-on approach by handling the spine without the use of drugs or surgery.

Founded in 1895, chiropractic treatment used to be known simply as complementary and alternative therapy, but now their importance is broadly recognised by medical and healthcare professionals as their support is both beneficial and legitimate in the handling and dealing of spinal conditions.

The theory is based upon the misalignment of the spine, mainly that which interferes with the nervous system.

Indications for Chiropractic Treatment

By having a consultation with a chiropractor, you can benefit from many mechanical problems of the back, with treatments which consist of the freeing of stiff joints which in turn will reduce nerve irritation.

The practitioner will take a full history from the patient and will carry out a thorough physical examination. Using a holistic approach; the chiropractor will ask a lot of questions to do with occupation, diet, existing exercise programmes and lifestyle and then a treatment plan is made using this information.

They will also assist to improve posture and can give you advice on preventative methods on how to avoid a recurrence. They can help advise you on activities and exercises that will help strengthen the parts of the spine and the type of things you should avoid.

Chiropractors use their hands to smoothly manoeuvre the spine, aiming to make slight adjustments to its alignment using fully researched and consistent techniques. Most patients who have chronic lower back pain with muscular and nerve irritations, which have no acknowledged cause, are treated by chiropractors.

Chiropractic treatment is contra-indicted in the existence of certain arthritic problems, cancers, dislocations and fractures. It is necessary that the patient informs the practitioner of any existing and diagnosed complaints before the start of treatment.

How to Find a Chiropractor

There are around 1,300 licensed Chiropractors in the United Kingdom, many of whom specialise in sport’s injuries. If you wish you can self-refer to a Chiropractor by using search engines on the internet or by using telephone directories, but it is a lot safer to book sessions from someone who has been suggested, either by a healthcare professional or has been a prior patient.

How Much Does a Chiropractor Cost?

Chiropractic treatment is available within the NHS sometimes but not all Trusts will offer this and many people will have to be seen privately. You can still visit your GP initially when a recommendation is required.

A usual session will last between 30 minutes and an hour, it will generally cost between £30 and £80, with some patients needing only one visit. Other patients, depending on their condition, may need a number of sessions to give them the best result from their treatment.

Chiropractic treatment is now seen as an important aid to usual medicine. People who suffer from back pain may sometimes benefit from having their pain relieved by using methods that make small adjustments to their spine. Also that is all done without the need for medication and surgery, together in which both carry risks and side-effects, though often chiropractic treatment is used with a mixture of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.