What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic, from the meaning ‘done by hands’, is a way of adjusting bones in the body to improve the alignment of the skeleton which helps the nervous system work more efficiently by restoring it’s function. Chiropractic care aims to restore the body’s natural balance by realigning the bones to relieve pain and discomfort associated with the misalignment of bones and also to increase the mobility of the body.
Your spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx. Throughout the spinal column, nerves exit directly from the spinal cord which is an extension of the brain. It transmits information to your body from the brain. If there is a blockage in the spinal nerves due to the vertebrae becoming misaligned then the body will not function correctly where that nerve supplies. Chiropractic acts to restore this function by manipulation of these bones.
A misalignment such as these can occur for many reasons, the most common being, incorrect lifting, poor posture, car or sporting accidents, falls and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
The audible cracking sounds that are usually associated with chiropractic are not normally associated with the McTimoney technique which we use here at Berkshire Health Clinic. In Sacro Occipital Technique, there are no strong adjustments that cause the cracking sound either.
Both techniques are known to be very gentle and easy to receive.
The chiropractor will take a full case history on your first visit. All testing will be done to enable the chiropractor to make the appropriate diagnosis and to prescribe your care plan.
Also on your first visit, if possible, the chiropractor will treat you with gentle manipulations to help any discomfort. It is advisable to wear light clothing or bring some along with you, shorts or leggings, so that the chiropractor can assess and treat you more easily.
If you have any questions or concerns, the chiropractor will talk everything through with you fully before your adjustment commences.
Every body is different and responds in different ways depending on age, lifestyle, level of fitness, how long you’ve had the problem, the nature of the problem and how well you follow the aftercare advice.
If a problem is less that 6 weeks old and you are suffering from the acute symptoms, then generally there is usually a 4 to 8 weeks resolution, If the case is more chronic then it may take longer.
Those that are looking for WellBeing care or maintenance, may choose to come every 4 to 12 weeks.
No. Chiropractic is private and you can refer yourself for treatment. As Primary Care practitioners, chiropractors work closely with GP’s and other healthcare professionals.
If the chiropractor discovers or suspects a condition which requires medical intervention, then they will refer you to your GP. You may then be referred for an xray or MRI scan if necessary, in order to fully assess your condition.
Yes. We are recognised by most major medical insurance companies, so please do check with us. You may need a GP referral in order to claim for treatment, therefore please check with your insurance provider first.
Payments will be taken at Berkshire Health Centre and we will provide you with a receipt for your insurance claim reimbursment.
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