Chiropractic is a profession or specialism rather than a treatment in itself.

Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent problems associated with the structure and function of the bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the back. 

Chiropractors use manipulation techniques, also called adjustments, alongside many other techniques to treat patients.

The emphasis is on the spine but back problems manifest themselves in other areas of the body too.

The body will compensate for back problems. Walking differently or restricting movements for instance can generate problems elsewhere. 

Conversely, problems in the leg or arm often times leads to spinal issues.

Chiropractic often helps people with a range of conditions in addition to low back pain:

• neck pain
• shoulder pain
• elbow pain

All arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck.

Chiropractic also helps with migraine prevention, headaches arising from the neck as well as hip pain and knee pain from osteoarthritis.

Chiropractic care involves creating a management plan with treatments tailored to the individual patient. Manual therapy is usually at the core of the plan.

Manual therapy, for low back pain, is defined by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence):

• Spinal Manipulation – a low-amplitude, high-velocity movement at the limit of joint range that takes the joint beyond the passive range of movement.
• Spinal mobilisation – joint movement within the normal range of motion.
• Massage– manual manipulation or mobilisation of soft tissues.

Collectively these are all manual therapy.

A chiropractor uses hands-on manual therapy, which can be customized to the patient’s needs.. It may also involve using a gentle instrument called an ‘activator’ and trigger point therapy.

Aspects of your care may also include:

• Strengthening exercises,
• Western medical acupuncture
• Massage therapy/sports massage therapy.
• Podiatry
• Advice and support to help at home and work.

Chiropractors use manual therapy, a comfortable treatment involving hands-on techniques, to modify and adapt treatments for individual patients.

An area may already be tender or painful through inflammation, swelling or bruising but chiropractic manipulation should be comfortable.

People sometimes hear clicking noises during manipulation, which is perfectly normal. It sounds surprising but is not painful.. It sounds surprising but is not painful. Contrary to portrayals in popular culture the ‘crack’ is not doing the work. It is occasional and incidental.

Synovial fluid lubricates joints, and gases are produced as a byproduct of its formation. Manipulating a joint causes gas to be released, resulting in the popping sound.

Because chiropractic care involves a range of different techniques, and manual therapy is adaptable to individual patients, chiropractic is suitable for people of all ages from new borns to seniors.

After treatment many people feel no discomfort at all.

Sometimes people experience tiredness or can be little achy afterwards. It is similar to the feeling they would have the day following a mild work out or moderate exercise. This post treatment feeling can last up to 48 hours. Equally many people can feel pepped up and re-energised.

Your chiropractor will inform you of the risks and benefits of your individual management plan at the initial consultation before you consent to treatment.

Chiropractic on the NHS depends where you live in the UK. Unfortunately chiropractic is not currently available through the NHS in Teesside.

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) regulates chiropractic. Chiropractors must register with the GCC to practice legally.

Any chiropractor must have undertaken a minimum of 4 years of training. They must also demonstrate professional development activity throughout their career to remain registered.