Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why might I go to a chiropractor?

The first thing that may spring to mind is that ‘chiropractors treat backs’. But chiropractors do much more than this: they are concerned with the framework of bones and muscles that support the body (the musculoskeletal system). So, even though they do treat backs – and very successfully – today’s chiropractors also diagnose and treat the symptoms of other musculoskeletal problems.
Chiropractors mainly treat:

• Acute, subacute and chronic low back pain
• Cervicogenic headache
• Acute/subacute neck pain
• Chronic neck pain

 

Q2. Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?

No. In the UK ‘Chiropractor’ is by act of parliament a protected title. Chiropractic is stringently regulated by its governing body, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). In order for a chiropractor to practice in the UK he/she Must be registered with the GCC and therefore will have undergone a recognised chiropractic degree programme.  Completion of the chiropractic degree then allows the use of the title ‘Chiropractor’.
 

Q3. What qualification should I look for?

Chiropractic is a world-wide profession and your chiropractor will have completed a 4-5 year degree course (at one of the accredited Chiropractic Universities/Colleges) studying: anatomy, Physiology, pathology, diagnosis, neurology, and orthopaedics, in addition to radiology for taking and reading x-rays, together with 1-year’s clinic internship. All Chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the GCC.
 

Q4. What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and management of musculo-skeletal (bone, Joint and muscle) conditions. Whilst chiropractors treat all the joints of the body, particular emphasis is placed upon correcting problems of the spine.

By helping the musculoskeletal system work properly, chiropractors can play a major part in relieving symptoms, and the pain or discomfort that goes with them. These can be the result of accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and the everyday wear and tear that happens to all of us.

Chiropractors take a ‘holistic’ approach to your health and wellbeing. This means that they consider your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances. Chiropractors can provide a ‘package’ of care that is based on the best available evidence. As well as physical manipulation, the full package of care includes advice about exercise. Chiropractors will aim to: reassure you; ease your distress by controlling your pain; help you get you back to your normal activities.

Spinal manipulation as performed by chiropractors is supported by research and forms part of NICE guidelines (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines) for low back pain.

Q5. Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Yes, chiropractic is generally a safe and effective form of care when provided by registered chiropractors. The approach to care that chiropractors take is recommended in the Department of Health's Musculoskeletal Services Framework. Patients may experience some side effects such as feeling a bit sore, stiff or tired for a day or so - these effects are normally temporary and do not last for very long.  It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you have any questions during any part of your care. 
 

Q6. What happens when I visit a chiropractor for the first time?

Normally your first visit can last anything between 30 minutes and an hour. During this time, the chiropractor:

- will take a full case history
- will ask for your permission to give you a thorough physical examination (this will include neurological
and orthopaedic tests, if necessary)
- may take or send you for x-rays if they are needed.

A chiropractor’s first concern is to find out what is wrong. They will also check for signs of any serious conditions for which you would be referred back to your GP or to hospital.
 

Q7. What do I need to know before my treatment starts?

Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Before your treatment starts, your chiropractor should explain to you clearly: 

- what they found in the examination
- the treatment plan they propose
- the benefits and risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.

Ask your chiropractor as many questions as you need to, to be sure that you understand what they have told you. Your chiropractor will then ask you to give your permission for treatment (they call this ‘consent’). To help you feel more at ease during a consultation, you or your chiropractor can ask & arrange for another person to also be there. This might be, for example, a clinic assistant, or you could choose to bring a relative or friend.

Q8. The goal of your Chiropractor.

Your chiropractor has undergone lengthy training to understand how your spine, skeleton, muscles and joints work. His/her goal is to find areas of your spine and skeleton which are not working correctly and treat those areas. Treatment usually consists of gentle adjustments (manipulation) of the affected joints of the body.
 

Q9. How many treatments will I require?

This will depend on: your condition, how severe it is, how long you have had it, and how you respond to treatment. After your first examination and diagnosis, how many further visits you need will depend on your condition and the treatment you need.

The chiropractor will try to give you advice on self-help exercises to do at home. They will review your progress regularly. Your chiropractor will discuss carrying out further investigations if your condition does not improve.

Some chiropractors offer rehabilitation exercise programmes. These have been shown to reduce disability as well as significantly reduce the chances of episodes of back and neck pain happening again.
 

Q10. Will the treatment hurt?

Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed. Don’t worry if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being adjusted – this is perfectly normal with some forms of manual treatment. It is also normal to have some reaction to the treatment. You may feel more uncomfortable for a short time, or stiff or tired for a day or so.
It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment.
 

Q11. What is a doctor of chiropractic?

In the UK, the courtesy title 'Dr' is used by medical doctors, dentists, vets and chiropractors.  Completion of a chiropractic Degree from an accredited university/college allows the use of the title ‘Doctor of Chiropractic’. The title 'Dr' is not protected in law, and may only be used by chiropractors providing they make it clear that they are registered Chiropractors. It should be remembered that whilst chiropractors are very highly qualified practitioners, they are not ‘Medical Doctors’.
 

Q12. Do I need to tell my GP?

You do not need to let your GP know unless you want to. Many GPs recommend chiropractic care to their patients. With your permission, your chiropractor may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving. 
 

Q13. Can I get chiropractic care on the NHS?

It is always worth asking your GP, or your local Primary Care Trust if NHS funding is available for chiropractic. As yet, it is not widespread even though chiropractic care is included in the Musculoskeletal Services Framework published by the Department of Health. 
 

Q14. Do I have to pay for my treatment?

You will need to pay for your treatment unless you are covered by Private Medical Insurance (PMI) or live in an area where there is NHS-funded chiropractic care. Treatment through the NHS is not widely available at the moment, so it is a good idea to talk to your GP or chiropractor to find out the situation in your area. If you have Personal Medical Insurance, confirm with your provider that chiropractic treatment is covered and tell the chiropractor that this is how you will be paying for treatment, as in many cases the patient will pay up front for their treatment, which is claimed back directly from their insurer.
 

Q15. Do I have to have an x-ray?

Your chiropractor will only recommend that an x-ray be taken if there is a valid clinical reason for doing so. Like all health professionals, chiropractors comply with the legislation that governs the use of x-rays – the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000.
 

Q16. Who owns the x-rays?

Patients are asked to note that any x-rays or other medical images taken or ordered by a chiropractor must be retained by the chiropractor as part of your health record for a period of 8 years after the date of your last visit. This is one of the legal requirements of the Code of Practice published by the General Chiropractic Council, which is the statutory regulator for chiropractors in the United Kingdom.

There may be occasions when you want another health professional to look at your x-rays or other medical images. In these circumstances your chiropractor will be willing to release them to you or (with your consent) to your health professional of choice, on the clear understanding that the x-ray films or other medical images will be returned to your chiropractor. Under the Data Protection Act, you are entitled to a copy of your health record, including any x-rays or other medical images, and your chiropractor may make a reasonable charge for the copy. The maximum charge that can be made is £50.