What can Bristol Chiropractic do for you?
At Bristol Chiropractic Clinic you will receive effective treatment for musculo-skeletal conditions with chiropractic and osteopathic based techniques, massage, acupuncture (dry-needling) and advice on rehabilitative exercises, nutrition and lifestyle changes that support the healing process and help prevent future injuries.
Conditions that are helped by chiropractic care include:
Your chiropractor will take a full history of your complaint alongside a comprehensive review of your medical history and lifestyle. Once this is done your chiropractor will give you a gown to change into and then examine you to identify the root cause of your complaint. After this she may decide to refer you for an X-ray, MRI or diagnostic ultrasound if the cause is unclear. Once a working diagnosis has been established this will be explained to you alongside the plan of treatment and treatment options.
Once a diagnosis has been established your chiropractor will explain whether you would benefit from chiropractic care and after this your chiropractor will explain the ideal treatment plan including which treatment methods are most appropriate, the amount of treatment you will need and answer any of your questions.
Length of treatment can vary depending on how recently the complaint came on and the severity of the complaint. The likely length of treatment will be discussed with you on your first visit. NHS guidelines on manual therapy suggest 8 treatments over 12 weeks although some patients fully recover with less and some may need more.
Most people if they follow the treatment plan discussed in the first visit should see a full resolution of their symptoms. Patients with long term, recurring and chronic conditions often benefit from maintenance care and this will be discussed with your chiropractor on the first visit.
There is some evidence to suggest that everybody can benefit from long term preventative maintenance care however this is personal choice.
It is recommended that patients carry out exercises prescribed by your chiropractor once you have started to improve. This will keep you healthy and help protect you from further injuries. Your chiropractor can also discuss changes to your diet and lifestyle that will help you stay healthy.
Many people experience a short term reaction to treatment that lasts no more than a few hours. There is no evidence to suggest that there are any serious risks as a side effect of treatment. It has been suggested there is a small risk of a stroke occurring secondarily to neck manipulation however recent studies suggest the risk is equal to the risk of attending your GP surgery with the same complaint.
Conditions that are helped by chiropractic care include:
- Back, hip and leg pain
- Neck, shoulder and arm pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Joint, muscle and nerve pain
Your chiropractor will take a full history of your complaint alongside a comprehensive review of your medical history and lifestyle. Once this is done your chiropractor will give you a gown to change into and then examine you to identify the root cause of your complaint. After this she may decide to refer you for an X-ray, MRI or diagnostic ultrasound if the cause is unclear. Once a working diagnosis has been established this will be explained to you alongside the plan of treatment and treatment options.
Once a diagnosis has been established your chiropractor will explain whether you would benefit from chiropractic care and after this your chiropractor will explain the ideal treatment plan including which treatment methods are most appropriate, the amount of treatment you will need and answer any of your questions.
Length of treatment can vary depending on how recently the complaint came on and the severity of the complaint. The likely length of treatment will be discussed with you on your first visit. NHS guidelines on manual therapy suggest 8 treatments over 12 weeks although some patients fully recover with less and some may need more.
Most people if they follow the treatment plan discussed in the first visit should see a full resolution of their symptoms. Patients with long term, recurring and chronic conditions often benefit from maintenance care and this will be discussed with your chiropractor on the first visit.
There is some evidence to suggest that everybody can benefit from long term preventative maintenance care however this is personal choice.
It is recommended that patients carry out exercises prescribed by your chiropractor once you have started to improve. This will keep you healthy and help protect you from further injuries. Your chiropractor can also discuss changes to your diet and lifestyle that will help you stay healthy.
Many people experience a short term reaction to treatment that lasts no more than a few hours. There is no evidence to suggest that there are any serious risks as a side effect of treatment. It has been suggested there is a small risk of a stroke occurring secondarily to neck manipulation however recent studies suggest the risk is equal to the risk of attending your GP surgery with the same complaint.
The word Chiropractic is derived from Greek meaning 'move by hand'. It is a conservative therapy that is concerned with restoring optimal function to joints and muscles in the body.
Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment.
Chiropractic care does not treat symptoms with drugs but treats the cause of your pain by helping to correct any restricted or altered joint movement to restore spinal balance, remove nerve irritation and return the body to healthy healing. Musculoskeletal problems can be caused by accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and wear and tear.
Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment.
Chiropractic care does not treat symptoms with drugs but treats the cause of your pain by helping to correct any restricted or altered joint movement to restore spinal balance, remove nerve irritation and return the body to healthy healing. Musculoskeletal problems can be caused by accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and wear and tear.
Definitions of chiropractic
A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.
WFC Dictionary Definition
World Federation of Chiropractic, 2001
World Federation of Chiropractic, 2001
A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation.
The WHO definition
World Health Organization, Guidelines on Chiropractic, 2005
World Health Organization, Guidelines on Chiropractic, 2005
There is a range of evidence demonstrating that chiropractic care is effective for low back pain. Summaries of some of the most significant evidence, with links to the detailed documents and articles, are provided below. For evidence that chiropractic is effective for other musculoskeletal conditions, please click here.
1. Meade et al (1990) Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. BMJ 300; 1431-1437
This large UK trial funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) compared chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment for managing low back pain of mechanical origin. Outcome: chiropractic treatment was 30% more effective than hospital outpatient management, mainly for patients with chronic or severe back pain
2. Meade et al (1995) Randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment for low back pain: results from extended follow up. BMJ 311; 349-351
This follow up trial conducted in 1995, again funded by the MRC, confirmed the findings of the earlier report - patients with low back pain treated by chiropractors derive more benefit and long term satisfaction than those treated by hospitals.
3. RCGP (1999) Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Acute Low Back Pain
Evidence:
4. UK BEAM Trial Team (2004) United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial: effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care. BMJ 329:1377
This recent MRC-funded study estimated the effect of adding exercise classes,spinal manipulation delivered in NHS or private premises, or manipulation followed by exercise to "best care" in general practice for patients consulting with back pain. All groups improved over time. Exercise improved disability more than "best care" at three months. For manipulation there was an additional improvement at three months and at 12 months. For manipulation followed by exercise there was an additional improvement at three months and at 12 months. No significant differences in outcome occurred between manipulation in NHS premises and in private premises. No serious adverse events occurred.
5. UK BEAM Trial Team (2004) United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial: cost effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care. BMJ 329:1381
Spinal manipulation is a cost effective addition to "best care" for back pain in general practice. Manipulation alone probably gives better value for money than manipulation followed by exercise.
6. European Commission Research Directorate General (2004) European Guidelines for the management of acute non-specific low back pain in primary care
Summary of recommendations for treatment of acute non-specific low back pain:
7. European Commission Research Directorate General (2004) European Guidelines for the management of chronic non-specific low back pain in primary care (2004)
Manipulation/mobilisation - Summary of the evidence:
8. NICE (2006) IPG 183 - Non-rigid stabilisation techniques for the treatment of low back pain – guidance
Chiropractic intervention and posture training can limit episodes of acute pain. Spinal rehabilitation, which may include components such as education, lifestyle change, weight loss, general fitness and specific low-back training exercises, may be required.
9. Department of Health (2006) Musculoskeletal Services Framework
“Chiropractors provide evidence-based, timely and effective assessment, diagnosis and management of certain musculoskeletal disorders.”
“The Framework describes a system that enables health and social care professionals to provide more easily a high-quality service to patients. A balanced, well-planned system achieves that, and helps professionals to:
10. Low back pain: early management of persistent non-specific low back pain
NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health. Its guideline on the acute management of patients with chronic low back pain was published in May 2009.
The evidence-based recommendations include the following:
Note added by the College of Chiropractors: All chiropractors are trained to provide spinal manipulation. Chiropractors are also trained to provide suitable exercise advice and many have in-house facilities for supervised exercise. Note that chiropractic is a profession, not a treatment. Chiropractors provide a package of care, which may include spinal manipulation, based on a detailed case history and careful diagnosis.
(page taken from the College of Chiropractors website http://www.colchiro.org.uk)
1. Meade et al (1990) Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. BMJ 300; 1431-1437
This large UK trial funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) compared chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment for managing low back pain of mechanical origin. Outcome: chiropractic treatment was 30% more effective than hospital outpatient management, mainly for patients with chronic or severe back pain
2. Meade et al (1995) Randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment for low back pain: results from extended follow up. BMJ 311; 349-351
This follow up trial conducted in 1995, again funded by the MRC, confirmed the findings of the earlier report - patients with low back pain treated by chiropractors derive more benefit and long term satisfaction than those treated by hospitals.
3. RCGP (1999) Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Acute Low Back Pain
Evidence:
- Manipulation can provide short-term improvement in pain and activity levels and higher patient satisfaction.
- The risks of manipulation are very low in skilled hands.
4. UK BEAM Trial Team (2004) United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial: effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care. BMJ 329:1377
This recent MRC-funded study estimated the effect of adding exercise classes,spinal manipulation delivered in NHS or private premises, or manipulation followed by exercise to "best care" in general practice for patients consulting with back pain. All groups improved over time. Exercise improved disability more than "best care" at three months. For manipulation there was an additional improvement at three months and at 12 months. For manipulation followed by exercise there was an additional improvement at three months and at 12 months. No significant differences in outcome occurred between manipulation in NHS premises and in private premises. No serious adverse events occurred.
5. UK BEAM Trial Team (2004) United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial: cost effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care. BMJ 329:1381
Spinal manipulation is a cost effective addition to "best care" for back pain in general practice. Manipulation alone probably gives better value for money than manipulation followed by exercise.
6. European Commission Research Directorate General (2004) European Guidelines for the management of acute non-specific low back pain in primary care
Summary of recommendations for treatment of acute non-specific low back pain:
- Give adequate information and reassure the patient
- Do not prescribe bed rest as a treatment
- Advise patients to stay active and continue normal daily activities including work if possible
- Prescribe medication, if necessary for pain relief; preferably to be taken at regular intervals; first choice paracetamol, second choice NSAIDs
- Consider adding a short course of muscle relaxants on its own or added to NSAIDs, if paracetamol or NSAIDs have failed to reduce pain
- Consider (referral for) spinal manipulation for patients who are failing to return to normal activities
- Multidisciplinary treatment programmes in occupational settings may be an option for workers with sub-acute low back pain and sick leave for more than 4 - 8 weeks
7. European Commission Research Directorate General (2004) European Guidelines for the management of chronic non-specific low back pain in primary care (2004)
Manipulation/mobilisation - Summary of the evidence:
- There is moderate evidence that manipulation is superior to sham manipulation for improving short-term pain and function in chronic low back pain (CLBP)
- There is strong evidence that manipulation and GP care/analgesics are similarly effective in the treatment of CLBP
- There is moderate evidence that spinal manipulation in addition to GP care is more effective than GP care alone in the treatment of CLBP
- There is moderate evidence that spinal manipulation is no less and no more effective than physiotherapy/exercise therapy in the treatment of CLBP
- There is moderate evidence that spinal manipulation is no less and no more effective than back-schools in the treatment of CLBP
8. NICE (2006) IPG 183 - Non-rigid stabilisation techniques for the treatment of low back pain – guidance
Chiropractic intervention and posture training can limit episodes of acute pain. Spinal rehabilitation, which may include components such as education, lifestyle change, weight loss, general fitness and specific low-back training exercises, may be required.
9. Department of Health (2006) Musculoskeletal Services Framework
“Chiropractors provide evidence-based, timely and effective assessment, diagnosis and management of certain musculoskeletal disorders.”
“The Framework describes a system that enables health and social care professionals to provide more easily a high-quality service to patients. A balanced, well-planned system achieves that, and helps professionals to:
- treat patients at the appropriate point in the system (closer to home or work);
- provide patients with better information to manage their condition, reducing avoidable admissions;
- plan/manage patient flows through primary and secondary care, ensuring appropriate and timely referral to specialist care services;
- develop capacity in primary care by offering a wider range of non-surgical alternatives, eg specialist practitioners, physiotherapy, podiatry, nursing, pain management advice, chiropractic, osteopathy etc.”
10. Low back pain: early management of persistent non-specific low back pain
NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health. Its guideline on the acute management of patients with chronic low back pain was published in May 2009.
The evidence-based recommendations include the following:
- Provide people with advice and information to promote self-management of their low back pain.
- Consider offering a course of manual therapy including spinal manipulation of up to 9 sessions over up to 12 weeks
- Consider offering a course of acupuncture needling comprising up to 10 sessions over a period of up to 12 weeks
- Consider offering a structured exercise programme tailored to the individual.
Note added by the College of Chiropractors: All chiropractors are trained to provide spinal manipulation. Chiropractors are also trained to provide suitable exercise advice and many have in-house facilities for supervised exercise. Note that chiropractic is a profession, not a treatment. Chiropractors provide a package of care, which may include spinal manipulation, based on a detailed case history and careful diagnosis.
(page taken from the College of Chiropractors website http://www.colchiro.org.uk)
Looking for a chiropractor in Bristol? Your chiropractor will be happy to explain the biomechanical causes of your back pain please book into Bristol Chiropractic Clinic for a FREE ASSESSMENT on 01172140785
