Examination

Once your case history is complete, your BCA Chiropractor will examine you to confirm any early ideas about your problem. The examination will concentrate on your neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it may also be necessary to check other things such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes; this thorough check up is a normal procedure in a chiropractor’s clinic.

Gowns are made available for you to wear for the examination, as well as any following treatments.

After the initial consultation and examination, your chiropractor may offer you treatment almost immediately. However, it may be delayed for a day or two if he/she needs to take or view X-rays, perform urine tests or obtain further information from your GP (for example blood test results) and where appropriate, refer you for an MRI/CT scan.

Report of Findings

Before treatment starts, your BCA chiropractor will tell you, in clear, simple language, what is wrong with you, what can be done about it and what you should expect when you receive your first adjustment. You will probably be told about any exercise or changes to your lifestyle or diet that may be beneficial, so that you can help yourself. A part of getting better is up to you, so please follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely.

You will also be advised of all costs that relate to your future care. It would be appropriate, at this point, for your chiropractor to tell you of any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem, and the possible need for any ongoing supportive care. This is not an unusual situation for patients who have had serious injuries, as well as those who have long-term problems due to wear and tear to the joints.

Treatment

Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific adjustments, done by hand, to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Most often, this requires a short thrust to a joint that can result in an audible ‘crack’, and may bring relief of symptoms as well as an increased feeling of well-being. The ‘crack’ is simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.

There is, however, no instant cure, and some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as pain or soreness around the areas being treated, with redness or even bruising of the skin. Spinal disc problems may appear to flare up in the early stages of treatment, and where there is already inflammation, your condition may seem worse to start with. Treatment to the neck may give a distinct light headedness, and occasionally a short-lived headache.

Apart from the adjustment, your chiropractor may use a wide variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound and exercises. If you have questions about any of these, just ask.