WHAT DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT?

(click on topic for more information)

Most types of back pain

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This is a term used to describe the quite rare condition when the small cushion of cartilage between two of your vertebrae in your
back or neck protrudes and presses on a nerve. Sometimes people have been told they have this when in fact they only have strain
of the joints between the vertebrae and muscle spasm. It is not common but chiropractors are trained to detect and treat it by
skilfully manipulating the involved joints in your spine. Sometimes it requires further tests such as MRI scan to assess the problem
and some cases may require surgical intervention. In which case your chiropractor will refer you back to your GP.

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Sciatica and leg pains

Sciatica or pains down the legs are usually due to referred sensations, pins and needles or burning aches from the low back.
They do not necessarily mean you have a trapped nerve and protruding disc. Often if the pain is above the knee it is just because
it is spilling over from the backache and down the leg. In true sciatica when a nerve is irritated, the pain will go below the knee and
is constant and worse than the pain in the back. Chiropractors are trained to detect and treat both these types of sciatica by freeing
the stiff joints with their hands which is known as manipulation. This is the fastest way to to get better and treatment is safe,
effective and not painful. Advice and often reconditioning exercises will be given to help you manage your problem and to prevent
it recurring.

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Back problems in pregnancy

Backache in pregnancy is quite common because of changes in your posture carrying a growing baby in your abdomen together
with increased hormone levels softening of the joints and ligaments. Sometimes these become inflamed leading to muscle spasm
and stiffness. Chiropractors are trained to assess the problem and treat you safely by gently manipulating the stiff joints in your
back. They can use special techniques to avoid pressure on your abdomen and reduce any discomfort.

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Neck, shoulder and arm pains

Neck pains are usually due to a sudden or repetitive strain of the joints, muscles or ligaments between the vertebrae of your neck
causing stiffness. This might be due to a car accident or whiplash injury causing a sudden stretch to the soft tissues or simply
sitting at a desk looking at a screen for long periods of time leading to a gradual build up of strain as well as daily stress and
tension. Pain in your shoulder or down your arm with pins and needles or numbness in your hand may be referred from  your neck.
This could be due to a pinched or trapped nerve. Shoulder pain may be due to strain of the muscles of the joint or tendinitis which
may lead to frozen shoulder which is when arm movement becomes difficult. Chiropractors are trained to differentiate these
problems which may involve taking x-rays and treat appropriately with manipulation, soft tissue massage, ultrasound or dry
needling and exercises.

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Other joint problems such as in the hands and feet

Aches and pains in the hands and feet may be due to a variety of conditions as well as being referred pains from the neck or back.
Chiropractors are trained in orthopaedics and can assess what is causing the pain. It could be inflammation of a joint or irritation
of a nerve such as carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist or neuroma in the foot. The different approach of a chiropractor will include
checking the spine and treatment with manipulation, ultrasound, ice packs or dry needling to the involved joint. You may even be
advised about orthotics or supports for your feet. Your chiropractor may decide to refer you back to your GP with a report to see
another specialist for treatment.

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Headaches

Headaches may be due to several conditions but often they are not serious and are due to tension of the muscles at the base of
the head and in the neck. Chiropractors are trained to rule out serious neurological conditions or vascular and connective tissue disorders. Constant repetitive strain of the joints in the neck such as when sitting and looking down for a long time at a desk or while driving, may cause a build up of pain which is referred to the head. Treatment by gently manipulating the vertebrae of the neck
or various soft tissue techniques and massage is safe and relaxes the tight muscles reducing the pain. Advice about posture,
working position and lifestyle are important to help with long term management.

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Sports injuries

Sports injuries may be due to everyday problems such as poor gait and posture, lack of fitness and poor equipment. Chiropractors
will assess the condition and as well as treating the involved joint or soft tissue injury with a variety of manipulative techniques, soft
tissue massage, ultrasound or dry needling, will look for the underlying cause. This may include checking and treating the spine with manipulation to improve overall biomechanics and function. Persistent tennis or golfers elbow may relate to a problem in the neck
and respond to the different approach that chiropractic treatment can offer. Advice on rehabilitation, training and reconditioning in
our special facility at the clinic may be recommended under the supervision of our qualified sports therapists and trainers.

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