Backache:

Backache and leg pain constitute the greatest number of complaints presented to a chiropractor. Backache can be a result of occupational (or recreational) hazards, repeated or one-off sprains/strains, sports injury or poor posture. Chiropractic has an excellent success rate in treating such conditions.

Headaches:

Tension and migraine headaches in particular respond well to chiropractic treatment. Treatment is usually aimed at freeing the tension in the neck, shoulders and cranium. Patients with headaches are usually treated by both the chiropractor and the massage therapist, as the muscles of the cranium and shoulders are often very tense as part of the condition.

Backache in pregnancy:

The change in a woman’s centre of gravity during pregnancy places a great deal of stress on the lower back area, even before there is a visible bump. This stress often leads to mechanical low back pain, which chiropractic can be extremely effective at relieving. Please note that chiropractic treatment is perfectly safe in all 3 trimesters of pregnancy (as is massage). Chiropractic is also highly effective in treating back problems from difficult births or lifting / carrying young children.

Slipped Disc:

This is a layman’s term for what is actually a bulge of the disc from between the spinal bones into the area occupied by the nerve. Treatment typically includes combination of manipulation, gentle mobilization and electrotherapy. Chiropractic is one of the best conservative treatments for this condition.

Sciatica, neuralgia:

These conditions are often caused by mechanical irritation of the nerves themselves (sciatica is neuralgia of the sciatic nerve, in the back of the leg); removing this irritant will often relieve the pain felt along the nerve. This usually involves treating both the joints of the spine, and the muscles in the area of irritation, as such you can expect to be treated by both the chiropractor and the massage therapist. A “slipped disc” is a specific type of neuralgia.

Neck, shoulder and arm pain:

The neck is a particularly vulnerable part of the spine, having to support constantly the weight of the head. Pain and stiffness in this area can be caused by a host of injuries, from sleeping in a draught to a road accident.  Pain in the shoulder or arm is often the result of a problem with the neck itself. Treatment depends on the individual circumstances, enjoying a high success rate with both chiropractic and massage therapy.

Whiplash:

The trauma suffered in this injury is complex, and sometimes dangerously severe. As a result of this, if you are immediately concerned you should go to the hospital for a check-up. If this is clear (no broken bones etc) then chiropractic can often help to treat the injury. Whiplash is very much a case-by-case prognosis, with most people responding well to treatment, but with varying time-frames.

Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a condition whereby the joints of the body attempt to stabilize themselves by growing bony buttresses. Chiropractic care for this condition is very gentle, avoiding manipulation as much as possible; allowing normal movement of the joint without causing further injury, exacerbating the arthritic process.

Osteoporosis:

The process itself involves the leaching of calcium out of the bones, reducing their strength. Whilst chiropractic cannot treat this condition, this does not mean that we cannot treat the patient for another problem. Advice that we can give may help to slow the progress of the osteoporosis itself, often based around diet, exercise and posture.

Sports Injuries:

Both our chiropractor and our massage therapist have particular interest in the treatment of sports injuries, and in working with sportsmen / women both after injury, and in the prevention of future injuries. We both feel that chiropractic and sports massage can be of assistance in helping athletes to reach and maintain their peak fitness and performance levels, whilst helping to reduce the chance of injury.

Others:

Please bear in mind that this is a very brief overview of just some of the conditions that chiropractors can treat.