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ChiropracticPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, July 2007. This factsheet is for people who would like information about chiropractic. Chiropractic is a manipulation-based complementary therapy used for treating problems associated with bones, joints and the back, and other conditions.
What is complementary medicine?In the UK, complementary medicines are generally viewed as treatments which are given alongside conventional treatments. What is chiropractic?Chiropractors focus on the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors believe misalignment of the spine causes health problems and that spinal manipulation corrects such misalignments, thus curing the problem. In addition, many chiropractors use a range of other non-drug based treatments. When is chiropractic used?Chiropractic is used for several health conditions including:
Alternatives to chiropracticThere are a range of conventional treatments for the health conditions listed. Ask your doctor for advice. Where can I find a chiropractor?All chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (see Further information). What will happen during a treatment session?In your first consultation your chiropractor will ask detailed questions about your general health, lifestyle, emotional state, and medical/family history. He or she will also perform a physical examination, and you may be asked to sit, stand, walk and possibly carry out other movements. Your reflexes may be tested with a reflex hammer. Most chiropractors also use X-rays and other conventional medical tests to help make a diagnosis. The first consultation with a chiropractor generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The number of treatments you will need and how often you will need them depends on the problem. At your first treatment session, your chiropractor should give you an idea of the length of treatment required. Active rehabilitation may also be used which focuses on fitness and endurance to help symptoms. Treatment is usually carried out while you lie down in various positions. Chiropractors often use a manipulative technique on the spinal column and pelvic area consisting of short, rapid forceful movements called high-velocity thrusts. These are designed to realign and mobilise the spine, and may result in an audible sound - a clicking similar to knuckles being stretched. Is chiropractic effective?Some studies show that chiropractic can be effective for short-term pain relief for acute low back pain, but evidence is inconclusive. Chiropractic may also be useful in migraine or tension headache treatment, but evidence is limited. While chiropractic treatment is accepted by many conventional medical practitioners, there is little scientific evidence to prove that it is effective. There have been several studies of manipulation and mobilisation techniques for neck pain, but the evidence doesn't show that these treatments are effective on their own. Currently, there is no evidence that spinal manipulation helps to relieve period pain. There is also no good evidence that spinal manipulation helps babies with colic. Deciding on treatmentSide-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of successful treatment. These can include discomfort or mild pain at the point of manipulation or tiredness, which should disappear within 24 hours of treatment. Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after treatment. Most people are not affected. The most serious potential risks of chiropractic treatment are damage to an artery in the upper spine or stroke after manipulation of the neck. This is thought to be rare, but no statistical evidence is available. For certain people, especially those affected by osteoporosis, forceful manipulation can be dangerous and should never be done. Chiropractors are trained to check if chiropractic is a suitable treatment and for other risk factors. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Professor Edzard Ernst MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCP (Edin.), Laing Chair in Complementary Medicine at Peninsula Medical School and by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and doesn't replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: July 2007. Expected review date: July 2009.
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