Frequently asked Questions
What is a “chiropractic adjustment?”
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific manual force applied in a precise direction to the spinal verterbra restoring normal motion, often relieving pain and associated spinal symptoms.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments, when carried out by a qualified Chiropractor, are not painful. However, if the condition is acute, and there is a lot of muscle spasm and inflammation, there may be some discomfort initially. Your Chiropractor will advise you if this is likely. Since each patient is unique, each adjustment is unique. Age, size, and individual spinal conditions determine which adjustment technique is best suited for treatment.
Is chiropractic care effective?
Six formal government inquiries into chiropractic world wide in the last 25 years have all concluded that this health care practice is safe, effective, and cost-efficient. Independent studies have also shown that for some conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic can be the best choice for an effective and quick recovery. The Clinical Standards Advisory Group recommended in 1994 that there should be earlier access to the manipulative therapies and a redistribution of resources within the NHS to make this happen. In September 1996 the Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines for GPs which recommend manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is a drug-free, surgery-free, non-invasive treatment of the spine and associated conditions. It is a very low risk therapy. A Chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions that require referral elsewhere and will advise you if this is the case. Even after certain spinal surgeries, a chiropractic check-up may be advisable in order to improve recovery. Chiropractic care is safe for the whole family, from infants to the elderly, including pregnant women.
To be accepted as a member of the Scottish Chiropractic Association, each Chiropractor must have graduated from an approved Chiropractic College / University involving a minimum 4-5 years of full time study. Each member must adhere to the Association's Code of Practice and any breaches in the Code are thoroughly investigated by the SCA ethics committee. All SCA members are covered by professional indemnity insurance. The Association arranges regular seminars and post-graduate lectures to provide ongoing education for its members.
The General Chiropractic Council in a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act 1994. It is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as a Chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Chiropractors are primary contact health professionals, which means that patients can consult them directly. GPs are increasingly recognising chiropractic as an effective treatment for many conditions, most notably back pain.
Does chiropractic treatment require x-rays?
The chiropractic profession has developed guidelines with regard to the use of x-rays as a diagnostic tool. They can provide vital information to help determine a diagnosis, but they are not required in every case. X-rays are only taken when a need has been determined by a careful case history and physical examination. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to x-ray interpretation and diagnosis.
What are the clinic fees?
The cost of an initial consultation / examination is £45, x-rays if required (£65 - £100) and treatment costs £33 per visit. The clinic makes use of varied payment programs to make our care as affordable and cost efficient as possible.