Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry. It is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of joints, bones and muscles, and the effect they have on the nervous system. Chiropractic takes a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing and considers your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances.

What do Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors have helped an enormous range of conditions including:
Back pain
Leg pain, sciatica and slipped discs
Neck, shoulder and arm pain
Headaches and migraine
Posture and muscle problems
Sports injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Colic
Asthma
And many others........................

How does it work?

Treatment consists of gentle manipulative techniques, known as adjustments, to restore correct function, mobility and good alignment to the joints. As a result, nerve, joint and muscular function will be improved.

What is the popping noise of the adjustment?

During a chiropractic adjustment there is a change of pressure within the joint space which may sometimes cause a bubble of gas to 'pop' - but this sound is not significant, and does not hurt.

Bearsden Chiropractic

Will treatment hurt?

Manipulation, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, is not painful. If you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some discomfort. Sometimes, if you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust. Your chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen and will advise on how to minimize any discomfort.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic is very safe when treatment is carried out by a properly qualified practitioner. There are many way to adjust the spine. The method selected will be the best suited to your age, size and condition. Your Chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere.

How long does Chiropractic take?

A new patient appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. This will include a consultation whereby the chiropractor takes a full medical history from you and then performs a thorough examination, after which the chiropractor will be able to make their diagnosis, and then discuss a treatment programme with you. If at all possible you will receive your first adjustment during this appointment.

Will I need an X-ray?

X-rays are only used when clinically necessary. Chiropractors are fully qualified to take and read X-rays.

Bearsden Chiropractic

Who do Chiropractors treat?

The treatment is suitable for people of all ages, including babies, pregnant women and the elderly.

Why do children need chiropractic care?

Spinal trauma can occur at birth but also learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.

Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children seem healthier than other children.

Are all patients adjusted in the same way?

No. Your treatment programme will be tailored to your specific needs.

What will I wear?

You will be offered a large comfortable gown to wear.

How long will it take to get better?

Your recovery is dependant on many factors - the problem, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitative exercises and maintenance visits which your chiropractor may recommend.

How often do I need to come for treatment?

An average course of treatment may entail five or six visits over three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. Discuss this with your chiropractor, who can explain your treatment programme to you.

Why should I return if I am feeling fine?

Your chiropractor has treated you, but if you continue the lifestyle which caused the original condition, regular treatment should also continue. Prevention is much better than cure.

Can I adjust myself?

Is there anything wrong with me 'cracking my neck or back myself'? You must not adjust yourself. You cannot properly control an adjustment to yourself and your relief may only be temporary. If you feel you want to 'crack' your joints, it is because you need an adjustment. Consult your chiropractor!

Should I bring my family for Chiropractic checks?

Yes, the strength of chiropractic is that it can help to prevent discomfort, pain and even disease, and is suitable for everyone. It is appropriate to visit a chiropractor even if you have no pain, as restrictions in movement can often be detected before symptoms appear.

Will my doctor approve?

In 1995 the British Medical Association concluded that patients with low back pain treated with Chiropractic care had more long term satisfaction than those treated by hospitals.
In 1996 the Royal College of General Practitioners recommended manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain. However, you do not need a GP referral to visit a chiropractor.

Can I get treatment on the NHS?

Some GP's are able to purchase chiropractic treatment for their patients on the NHS. You will need to speak to your GP about this. Many private health insurers will now pay for chiropractic treatment.

What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?

There are differences in technique and approach, as well as some similarities. The important factor is that the practitioner is well qualified. Both professions now have statutory regulation.

How are Chiropractors trained and qualified?

It takes at least four years of full-time study to become a Chiropractor at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) or Glamorgan University.

The courses are followed by a post-graduate year spent on the BCA's Pre-Registration Training Scheme (PRTS), which students spend in a chiropractic clinic with the support of a qualified Trainer. Upon successful completion of the PRTS the student may be admitted onto the State Register. Only graduates who have undertaken a minimum four-year full-time internationally-accredited course can become members of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the largest association for the profession in the UK. The BCA was established in 1925, and now represents over 800 UK chiropractors.

The General Chiropractic Council was announced in January 1997. It is responsible for setting standards of both education and conduct within the profession, and requires all chiropractors to be registered to practice legally in the UK.