Chiropractic
is a straight forward method of adjusting the
bones
of the body to maintain the correct alignment of
the spine and to ensure that the body’s nerve
supply works efficiently. As a consequence chiropractic
treatment can relieve pain and discomfort, increase
mobility and lay the foundation for better health.
The spinal column is made up of
24 moveable vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx.
This column houses the spinal cord through which
nerve information is passed. However, if any part
of the column becomes misaligned, nerves may become
irritated, compressed or stretched distorting the
information that passes along them. This can lead
to pain, discomfort, restricted mobility and even
visceral dysfunction. A misalignment of the vertebrae
or other bones can occur for many reasons, the
most common being incorrect lifting, road traffic
or sporting accidents, childbirth, falls, stress
and poor posture and sleeping positions.
Patients report a wide range of
improvement. These include relief from neuralgic
migraines, headaches, neck and shoulder problems,
low back pain and sciatica and a general improved
state of well being. Benefit may also be seen for
visceral problems including some forms of asthma
and difficult breathing, digestive problems, slow
bowel, infant colic and painful periods.
Can Chiropractic Help You?
The technique I use is primarily Sacro-Occipital Technique
(SOT) - a very gentle and a diagnostic therapy which is suitable for
people of a wide age range including young children, pregnant women and the
elderly. The following conditions often benefit from treatment:
back, neck, shoulder and arm pain
pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints
neuralgic migraine and tension headaches
muscular aches and pains
sciatica
whiplash injury
sports injuries
What To Expect
A full case history regarding your general health background will be taken
as well as details of your symptoms. Permission will then be sought for an
appropriate physical, orthopaedic and neurological exam. Lastly, a spinal
examination will take place. If the results of the examination indicate a
chiropractic problem, an appropriate treatment plan is then decided upon.
The patient's permission will then be sought to carry out the proposed treatment.
During the examination women
wear a knee length gown and in most cases may also
wear tights or leggings during the treatment if
they wish.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
This varies depending on:
1. your age - people generally heal more slowly
as they get older.
2. nature of the problem - a simple backache will often clear more quickly
than a sciatic problem.
3. how long you have had the problem - generally a recent injury will resolve
faster than one of 20 years standing.
Most patients need between 2 and 8 sessions initially
at twice weekly or weekly intervals and then gradually
spaced out by which time a noticeable change should
have occurred. Once the problem has resolved a
maintenance programme is recommended to keep the
spine and joints functioning normally.
Chiropractic Is An Interactive Therapy
The patient should not expect to assume a passive role. At the very least a
simple quick exercise programme will be recommended. Changes in lifestyle
may also be necessary to resolve the problem and may include postural changes,
alteration of sleeping habits and changes in diet.
