Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment (World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999).

By restoring normal function to the musculoskeletal system chiropractic can play a major part in relieving disorders, and any accompanying pain or discomfort, arising from accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and every day wear and tear that happens to all of us.

Chiropractors at Salisbury Chiropractic Clinic take a biopsychosocial approach to your health and well-being: this means that they consider your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances in order to help you to manage your problem and prevent it recurring.

What is the difference between a Chiropractor, Osteopath and Physiotherapist?

In fact there are more similarities than differences. They mostly treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back and neck pain using various physical treatments such as manipulation, advice and exercise.

Chiropractors may make use of specific manipulation of a joint or vertebrae, soft tissue massage, ultrasound and dry needling whereas osteopaths often use more general manipulation and massage of the whole body. Physiotherapists use manipulation much less, concentrating more on advice, exercise and the use of machines such as megapulse and ultrasound. However they all overlap and use each others techniques and ideas but suffer from misconceptions about each other's work and inadequate contact between them.

At our clinic we use a package of care including proven or evidence based interventions such as manipulation, soft tissue and manual techniques, psychosocial or lifestyle advice and reconditioning or rehabilitation exercises. We may take x-rays when clinically justified and perform laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis. We aim to explain and educate about management and get you better as quickly as possible. We will send a report to your GP with your consent and will work with other health professionals and your employer, if necessary, to help your recovery.

The key is to provide treatment early to prevent patients losing condition and becoming chronic.

What happens when I visit a Chiropractor for the first time?

The Chiropractor who sees you on your first visit will be responsible for your care at the clinic. Your chiropractor needs to find out exactly what is wrong with you before deciding whether treatment might help. If your chiropractor is unable to help, then you may be referred back to your doctor for further investigation or some other specialist treatment. Your first visit can last between 30 minutes and an hour.

During this time:
- A full case history will be taken.
- You will be given the privacy to undress down to your underwear and will be given a gown to wear.
- You will be asked to consent to a comprehensive physical examination.
This will include palpation and neurological and orthopaedic tests, if necessary.
- Your blood pressure, pulse, heart and lungs may be checked.
- X-rays may be taken when clinically necessary in line with statutory regulations and clinical guidelines.
(In some cases, previous x-rays can be viewed at Salisbury District Hospital).

- In certain cases, laboratory tests may be performed to provide additional information.

What do I need to know before my treatment starts?

Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor.

Before treatment starts your chiropractor should explain to you clearly:
- The findings from the examination.
- The proposed treatment plan.
- The probability of risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.

- You will be informed of the charge for your initial consultation and subsequent visits.

Do ask your chiropractor as many questions as you need, to be sure that you understand what you have been told. You will then be asked to give your informed consent to treatment.

How many visits will I need?

This will depend on your particular condition. Below are some examples:
- 3 to 6 treatments for a simple case of low back pain that you have had for only a short period of time.
- 6 to 12 treatments for a long-standing (chronic) condition. Follow-up sessions at regular intervals may be necessary
to maintain improvement.

Subsequent visits to your chiropractor will normally last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your condition.

You are likely to be advised on self help and may also be given advice about diet and lifestyle. You may require a course of rehabilitation exercises if your problem is not resolved quickly and in order to prevent it recurring.

Your progress will be reviewed regularly and you will be asked to give your informed consent to any changes to your
treatment plan.

What sort of response will I have to treatment?

Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed, in which case treatment will be modified. Don't be alarmed if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being adjusted - this is perfectly normal. It is also normal to experience some reaction to treatment. There may be an increase in discomfort, stiffness or tiredness for a day or so. On the other hand, you may feel more energetic. It is also not unusual for a patient who has been getting better, to suffer a temporary relapse before improvement continues again. It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment.

Could I have a home visit?

Home visits can be arranged at a small extra charge for patients who have too much pain and disability to attend the Clinic. However, this is not possible to arrange on a regular basis and treatment is more effective at the Clinic because of the special facilities and equipment.

Do I need to contact my GP?

Not unless you wish to. With your permission, your chiropractor may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving. This is because your GP is the custodian of your complete medical records so it is in your interests for it to be kept up to date. Many GP’s refer their patients to chiropractors. The GMC allows doctors to refer to practitioners who are on a statutory register. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend a course of manipulation, acupuncture or structured tailor made exercises for back problems that are not getting better.

Can anyone be a Chiropractor?

No, it is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title ‘chiropractor’ or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The GCC is a statutory body that regulates chiropractic in the UK.

The GCC is required by law to:
- Undertake checks on those who apply for registration to ensure that the applicant has a chiropractic qualification,
is of good character and is physically and mentally fit.
- Set out and monitor standards of chiropractic training.
- Set standards of practice and conduct.
- Deal with any complaints about the conduct or practice of chiropractors.

What are the charges?

Consultation and treatment charges are displayed in the reception. Patients will be asked to pay at the end of each appointment. We do not run accounts. Receipts will be provided on request. Debit and Credit card facilities are available.

What if I cancel?

Please telephone at least one day in advance if you are unable to keep an appointment as missed appointments and late cancellations will incur a charge. Please remember that failure to keep an appointment can cause inconvenience and delays for other patients.

Can I use private medical insurance?

Most private medical insurance companies pay for chiropractic treatment but sometimes this is only on GP referral. BUPA and PPP do not recognise all chiropractors in the Clinic as specialists, so please check with your insurance company in advance or ask the receptionist.

What if I need to be signed off work?

The Chiropractors within the Clinic are able to sign off work certification forms as and when they are necessary.

What is Exercise Rehabilitation?

Andy Cook is our qualified personal trainer at the Clinic, which has up to date exercise facilities in order to re-condition longstanding spinal problems and restore normal function. The latest research shows that, in combination with manipulation, this is the most effective way to resolve back pain. A postural training and exercise programme can be designed especially for you and should be carried out regularly under the guidance of our trainers as specified by your Chiropractor. Please ask your Chiropractor or at reception for more details.

exercise rehabilitation at Salisbury Chiropractic Clinic

What do I do if I am not satisfied?

If you are not satisfied with the care you have received at the Clinic, you may contact your chiropractor by telephone or in writing, or refer the matter to the Clinic’s Designated Complaints Officer: Mr Nigel Hunt: nwhunt@salisburychiropracticclinic.co.uk,
who will endeavour to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

Otherwise you may refer the matter to:
The General Chiropractic Council, 44 Wicklow Street, London, WCIX 9HL (Tel: 020 7713 5155).

What about After Care?

Please follow the advice you have been given in order to speed up your recovery and to prevent it recurring.
If you feel the problem recurring after you have been discharged, then it is better to have it checked early as this
might prevent a full blown episode, avoiding a longer course of treatment.