Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of mechanical disorders of the spine and joints. Much of their work involves the treatment of back and neck pain, but increasingly they are being seen as specialists in helping improve and maintain good posture, as well as having a growing role to play in the world of sports injuries.
Chiropractic provides care for all ages from birth into the golden years, for those presenting with a wide range of conditions. Some patients present without any symptoms but just want to ensure good health and optimal function with regular spinal checks – just as you would visit a dentist to check the health of your teeth and gums. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating and self-healing organism. A chiropractor is fully trained to identify areas of spinal dysfunction known as vertebral fixations through a variety of neurological, orthopaedic and palpatory tests. A chiropractic adjustment restores healthy movement, breaking up scar tissue and maximising the body’s ability to function optimally.
All internal organs of the body receive a nerve supply from the spine and when your body is in pain, the spine could well be the first place to think about. Many pains – not just in the back - can have their origin traced back to a small misalignment in the spine. For example, head pains can come from the top three vertebrae in the spinal column whilst neck, shoulder and elbow pains can come from slightly lower down the chain of cervical vertebrae. It seems that the majority of people usually experience lower back pains at some time in their lives. Often that is related to the five biggest and thickest vertebrae known as ‘the lumbar vertebrae’. They need to be the biggest because these support the weight of the entire spine which is why so many spinal problems start from something not quite right in this region of the back. Organs such as the stomach, liver spleen, pancreas and the intestines are supplied from this area of the spine meaning that any part of your body that is in pain or not functioning optimally could be due to a misalignment of your spine.
Drug free pain reliefQuite simply, the great majority of spinal problems arise from “the daily grind of life.” Normal daily activities place a strain on your spine. Your job, your posture, your sleeping positions, any accidents, a pregnancy and other major changes all have the potential to cause damage to muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves.
How can I benefit from chiropractic?
Treatment techniques vary between chiropractors. Although they are skilled in a range of therapeutic approaches, chiropractors are perhaps best known for spinal manipulation, a safe and highly effective form of treatment for spinal disorders. Manipulation involves the application of a fast, specific manual thrust to a restricted joint, usually in the spine. It has been shown in independent research trials to be highly beneficial for patients suffering with back pain and and has been recommended in draft guidelines published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
How do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic is a package of care rather than any one specific treatment. They are particularly skilled in spinal manipulation which is learned over a four year period, but this is by no means the limit of chiropractic treatment.
Dr Trevor Horan is trained to use Medical Acupuncture and can utilise this for a range of soft tissue and pain syndromes. He is also trained in other soft tissue techniques such as deep tissue mobilisation, stretching and specific exercise programmes.
The modern management of spinal conditions also incorporates active care programmes. Trevor is passionate about not only getting patients well, but also keeping them well for the future. Spinal rehabilitation programmes, designed to improve long term strength, stamina and endurance and reduce the likelihood of further relapses form a vital part of any treatment plan.
Training for chiropractors
Chiropractors are highly trained. Most chiropractors in the UK are graduates of two of the leading chiropractic educational institutions: the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic and the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, recognised as two of the leading chiropractic training institutions in the world. Dr Trevor Horan studied at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. As well as completing a minimum of four years undergraduate training, chiropractors are also required to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) in order to stay abreast of current advances in research and patient care.
Regulating chiropractors
By law, chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council, the statutory body which sets standards, protects patients and promotes the profession. In addition, your chiropractor at Cymru Chiropractic Clinic is a member of the British Chiropractic Association, the longest established professional association in the UK.
The Bronfort report (www.chiroandosteo.com/content/18/1/3) is a review of the best research evidence for claims made by chiropractors across a wide range of conditions and was commissioned by the General Chiropractic Council.
