What to expect from the treatment
Initially, a medical history is taken and a simple health screen is performed, this is to access your particular problem and your suitability to chiropractic care.
The screening includes:
- Taking your medical history
- Orthopaedic and neurological testing
- If indicated, other simple tests
Once the screening is complete treatment should follow. If a problem is suspected that requires medical investigation or an x-ray, you will be referred to your GP.
The chiropractor may also suggest ways to correct postural habit that is possibly exacerbating your symptoms. A routine of gentle stretching and strengthening exercise to further support treatment is also included. By actively participating in the treatment you can help to reduce the chances of your symptoms reoccurring in the future.
How many treatments will you need?
This varies very much on individual circumstances.
The screening includes:
- Some people can feel instantaneous relief and will not need many treatments. For others it takes longer as each individual will have different healing abilities.
- Older people generally heal more slowly and so treatment is likely to continue for a longer period.
- The severity of the condition can result in a longer treatment plan.
- The length of time you have had pain; people will put up with backpain for a long time hoping that it will go away, or just “get used to it” before it gets so bad that they are forced to seek help and this can take longer to treat.
- A patients lifestyle and stress levels can also impact the successfulness of the treatment.
- Peoples work environment and work patterns may be the cause of their symptoms and it can be necessary to make lifestyle changes in order to help prevent the problem from reoccurring. For these people more regular chiropractic care or maintenance care will usually maintain their discomfort to an acceptable level.
