Michelle Chrapkowska's guide to chiropractic. Learn what to expect, what it costs and how to find a chiropractor.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic, as it is known today, was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He believed misaligned vertebrae may affect nerve flow and ultimately ones' health. Nowadays, science is proving this philosophy, exploring how the nervous system controls and coordinates the entire body through billions of signals per second. More complex than a computer processer, it relays information through the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory organs) to every cell in the body to affect how you are functioning. From how efficiently you move, to how well you think.
Chiropractors uphold the belief that the body has its own healing ability and work with non-invasive techniques to establish better communication and ease.
As primary contact practitioners, chiropractors are trained to diagnose musculoskeletal aches and pains and assist with a variety of health conditions. From putting a ‘spring in the step’ of an 80 year old granny, to the peace of a better sleeping newborn - chiropractic is for everyone.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Many different techniques are used, mainly using specific manipulation of the spine, gentle pressure by hand, or use of safe and precise instruments or equipment. Movement is restored to previously restricted areas of the spine to improve the mobility of joints and get you working better than before. These adjustments (the term for chiropractic treatment) are what improve the efficiency of the body to release its natural healing ability and ease pain and tension.
How to Find a Chiropractor
In the UK, the title chiropractor is statutory protected by the Chiropractors Act 1994, requiring all chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) by law and registered chiropractors can be checked with them. Stringent and professional requirements are required in most countries.
International standards for chiropractic training are 4-5 years fulltime doctorate university education. Modules studied range from cellular science, physiology, neurology and clinical diagnosis to research methods. Further training courses are required every year to ensure professional practice.
Your First Visit
Costs to see a chiropractor in the UK vary, from initial consultations at £30 - 70 and subsequent treatments £20 - 40. In your initial consultation, your chiropractor will require a full medical history and details of your current complaint. A physical examination will analyse your posture, movement and function. Some clinics may require you wear a gown to observe your spine better.
Trained in radiology, chiropractors can use X-Rays in their diagnosis or further scans may be taken. If chiropractic is deemed appropriate for you then the option of care will be given, if not, your chiropractor can refer you to a suitable health care provider. Care is not implicated by other therapies such as massage or physiotherapy and co-management may be applicable.
Many chiropractors offer a wealth of advice on health optimisation. Rehabilitative or therapeutic exercises may be given or nutritional and lifestyle recommendations. They create the environment for you to discover how to support yourself through preventative measures to create the wellbeing you decide.
©2009 Dr. Michelle Chrapkowska. All rights reserved. Published with permission on .
Top of Page Back to Articles