Chiropractic

Chiropractic is our core treatment at Back to Health.

Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine.

Conditions treated

Although chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck pain, patients also consult chiropractors regarding a range of other conditions. Chiropractors typically focus on, but are not limited to:

• Mid and lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint pain in the arms, legs and knees
• Lumbago
• Headache arising from the neck
• Migraine prevention
• Minor sports injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Sciatica
• Shoulder complaints
• Tension and inability to relax

Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including mobilisation, massage, ice & heat treatment, ultrasound, exercise, taping as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.

Most people might be surprised to find out that Chiropractors have to undertake a rigorous 4 or 5year programme of full time study to qualify with a Masters of Chiropractic. There are nearly 3000 chiropractors regulated by the GCC in the UK. The Chiropractic profession is regulated in the same way as medical doctors, dentists and nurses. The Chiropractic regulatory organisation is called the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). You have to be registered with the GCC to be able to call yourself a chiropractor.

The Chiropractic examination

A thorough chiropractic exam includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopaedic and neurological tests to assess:

• Range of motion of the affected part
• Muscle tone
• Muscle strength
• Neurological integrity

Further chiropractic exam tests may be necessary to assess the affected area (such as having the individual move in a specific manner, posture analysis, or chiropractic manipulation of the affected body part).

Diagnostic tests

Based upon the results of the history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic tests may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used by the chiropractor to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are often not necessary during the chiropractic consultation.

The most common diagnostic tests following a chiropractic consultation could include:

• X-ray exam
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
• Blood tests

The chiropractor will refer you back to your GP if any of the above are needed. Back to Health also work alongside several local private providers of diagnostic tests.

Patient Diagnosis

The medical history, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care. This part of the consultation is called the report of findings.

Your Chiropractor will explain:

• Diagnosed condition
• Individualised chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)
• Anticipated length of chiropractic care

In most cases the chiropractor will begin treatment during the patient’s first visit, although if certain diagnostic tests are needed it may be necessary to wait until the results are received.

Chiropractic treatment recommendations may include a combination of treatment techniques including:

• Manipulation and mobilisation to restore range of movement and correct joint dysfunction
• Methods for improving soft tissue healing & pain control, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and medical acupuncture
• Exercises to improve muscle balance, strength and coordination
• Patient education to improve posture and motor control
• Other complimentary modalities such as massage, heat/cold application, and education on nutrition or talking therapies

Our Chiropractic team

We have the largest team of chiropractors in the North West as we are fortunate to have ten chiropractors working across our three clinics in Wrexham, Mold and Chester.

Goals of the Chiropractic Treatment Plan

The chiropractor will establish specific goals for a patient’s individual plan for treatment:

• Short-term goals include reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balanc
• Long-term goals include restoring functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living
• Advice and regular treatment for prevention of recurrence in the future

To reach these goals, a specific number of chiropractic visits will typically be prescribed.

A typical evidence-based treatment plan for treating a recent case of acute, mechanical low back pain would be 2 visits per week for 2 weeks followed by 1 visit per week for another 2 weeks. The treatment plan would include re-examination and reviews at regular intervals throughout the visits. If the episode of back pain is reoccurring or has been there for a long time the treatment plan may well be different. A typical example could be a weekly visit for 6 weeks followed by a review and continued weekly or bi-weekly visits until a significant improvement can be seen. Once they are out of pain some of our patients benefit from MOT care so that they remain pain- free. This may involve a monthly or a 3 monthly maintenance visit.

A typical chiropractic treatment at Back to Health will take 15 - 20 minutes. It is important to recognise that the fees are a recognition of the expertise of the chiropractor and not for the time being treated (like a dentist!). Each patient is given exactly the right amount of treatment time to correct their problem. During each visit, the chiropractor will usually make small manipulations to the joints of the spine, sometimes causing a slight popping noise to be heard. The treatment is usually painless, but some people experience a temporary increase in their symptoms, stiffness or tiredness. Massage, exercise prescription and stretching are routinely used in the management. There is a large emphasis on self-help, home exercise and lifestyle advice.

At certain points in the treatment plan the Chiropractor will measure the response to treatment and determine whether to:

• Continue chiropractic treatment if appropriate
• Release the patient from chiropractic care if treatment goals have been met
• Refer the patient to another health care specialist if treatment goals have not been fulfilled

Insurance cover

Chiropractic care is covered by all the major private medical insurers. Each insurance policy is individual, and we would ask all patients to check with their insurer on how to access chiropractic care.

We ask patients to bring a copy of their insurance policy along to their first visit at the clinic so that we can check the amount of coverage and whether an excess is payable.