Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Chiropractor and an Osteopath?
Chiropractors and Osteopaths work in very similar ways. There is a historical difference in the philosophy of the two professions but they both emerged in the late 1800’s from the same part of the USA, led by men who knew each other, David Palmer and Andrew Still.
These days a modern osteopath is very similar to a modern chiropractor; both use similar methods of diagnosis and treatment although there are technical differences and both see the same type of patient. There are of course chiropractors and osteopaths who would deny all this completely.
Does chiropractic hurt?
Sometimes patients do experience some discomfort for a short period after treatment. This is especially the case when there is significant muscle spasm and the muscle has been worked hard to try and release it. Generally this discomfort is minor and doesn’t feel worse that the existing condition and of course it is transient.
What happens at the first treatment?
When you first see a chiropractor at the Peninsula Clinic, a thorough case history is taken. This includes not only the history of the problem itself but also your medical history including details of any operations, accidents or illnesses.
After the history you will be given a thorough examination, which will look at the function of the joints most commonly associated with your problem. Your spine will also be checked for any areas of abnormal movement.
Once both the case history and physical examination has taken place the chiropractor will tell you whether you are suitable for treatment and if so, what sort and how many visits you may need. If you do not need further investigations like x-rays or referral to your GP then treatment can usual take place immediately.
How many times do I have to visit a chiropractor to get my back pain right?
This is a common question but because everyone is different a difficult one to answer. However, the average patient who presents with back or neck pain generally sees a chiropractor between 6 and 8 times over three to four month period. Of course some will see us less and some more.
Our goal at Peninsula is to give you the tools you need to manage your own back or joint problem and not become reliant on treatment.
When do you take x-rays?
When we feel it is clinically justified to do so. X-rays tell us a lot about the state of the spine or bones of a joint and help us to rule out fractures or rarer pathological causes of joint pain. X-rays do not generally tell us a lot about the state of the intervertebral disc or any other soft tissue structures. Chiropractors take a lot fewer x-rays than they used to; at Peninsula the use of MRI scans is becoming more and more common especially with the greater availability and lower prices now obtainable.
How do you know if a chiropractor is properly trained and registered?
It is a criminal offence to practice as a chiropractor if you are not registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory body that polices the profession. To register with the GCC an individual has to be properly trained and have obtained a recognised qualification in chiropractic. Go to the GCC web site for more information and also to find your chiropractor’s name there.
If I have a problem with a chiropractor to whom do I complain?
A Chiropractor should have a complaints policy available for you to read. It will usually say that your first port of call would be the chiropractor him or herself. The chiropractor should then make an attempt at discovering what the problem is and if possible attempt to solve it. They should also give you the option of complaining directly to the GCC. You can find more information about this from the Complaints section of the GCC Web Site.
Chiropractors and Osteopaths work in very similar ways. There is a historical difference in the philosophy of the two professions but they both emerged in the late 1800’s from the same part of the USA, led by men who knew each other, David Palmer and Andrew Still.
These days a modern osteopath is very similar to a modern chiropractor; both use similar methods of diagnosis and treatment although there are technical differences and both see the same type of patient. There are of course chiropractors and osteopaths who would deny all this completely.
Does chiropractic hurt?
Sometimes patients do experience some discomfort for a short period after treatment. This is especially the case when there is significant muscle spasm and the muscle has been worked hard to try and release it. Generally this discomfort is minor and doesn’t feel worse that the existing condition and of course it is transient.
What happens at the first treatment?
When you first see a chiropractor at the Peninsula Clinic, a thorough case history is taken. This includes not only the history of the problem itself but also your medical history including details of any operations, accidents or illnesses.
After the history you will be given a thorough examination, which will look at the function of the joints most commonly associated with your problem. Your spine will also be checked for any areas of abnormal movement.
Once both the case history and physical examination has taken place the chiropractor will tell you whether you are suitable for treatment and if so, what sort and how many visits you may need. If you do not need further investigations like x-rays or referral to your GP then treatment can usual take place immediately.
How many times do I have to visit a chiropractor to get my back pain right?
This is a common question but because everyone is different a difficult one to answer. However, the average patient who presents with back or neck pain generally sees a chiropractor between 6 and 8 times over three to four month period. Of course some will see us less and some more.
Our goal at Peninsula is to give you the tools you need to manage your own back or joint problem and not become reliant on treatment.
When do you take x-rays?
When we feel it is clinically justified to do so. X-rays tell us a lot about the state of the spine or bones of a joint and help us to rule out fractures or rarer pathological causes of joint pain. X-rays do not generally tell us a lot about the state of the intervertebral disc or any other soft tissue structures. Chiropractors take a lot fewer x-rays than they used to; at Peninsula the use of MRI scans is becoming more and more common especially with the greater availability and lower prices now obtainable.
How do you know if a chiropractor is properly trained and registered?
It is a criminal offence to practice as a chiropractor if you are not registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory body that polices the profession. To register with the GCC an individual has to be properly trained and have obtained a recognised qualification in chiropractic. Go to the GCC web site for more information and also to find your chiropractor’s name there.
If I have a problem with a chiropractor to whom do I complain?
A Chiropractor should have a complaints policy available for you to read. It will usually say that your first port of call would be the chiropractor him or herself. The chiropractor should then make an attempt at discovering what the problem is and if possible attempt to solve it. They should also give you the option of complaining directly to the GCC. You can find more information about this from the Complaints section of the GCC Web Site.
