Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the whole body. Treatment consists of a wide range of manual techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm. Chiropractic does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors specialise in treating conditions that involve joint, muscle, tendon, ligaments and nerve problems in all age groups, using manual treatment rather than drugs or surgery. We are experienced in not only spinal conditions but also aches and pains in the arms and legs and other conditions such as headaches.

At Aligned for Life Chiropractic you will receive a thorough examination with treatment only being offered after an explanation of your diagnosis and with the belief that we can help you. If chiropractic treatment is not the solution to your problem we will refer you to the right practitioner.

Chiropractors are primary health care professionals so you can walk in straight off the street without a referral from your GP.

Chiropractic should not hurt. It is our aim to ensure that the treatment you receive is well tolerated. However, if you are already in a lot of pain then some parts of the examination and treatment may be a little achy. Once the majority of your symptoms have gone most patients become quite used to treatment and rarely notice any discomfort.

Chiropractic treatment is suitable for all age groups, young and old.

Chiropractic is a government regulated profession with all practitioners having undergone a rigorous four or five year degree course. We are also required to undertake continuing professional development so you can be sure that we’re always up to date and offering the best evidence based treatment.

Aligned for Life Chiropractic is recognised by all major insurance companies including Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, Cigna and Simply Health to name a few.

Unfortunately chiropractic is not widely available within the NHS but we often work closely with local GP’s and hospital doctors.

There will be occasions when it is necessary to have an x-ray taken. However, MRI is becoming significantly cheaper and gives far superior results, without the need for radiation exposure and is often the preferred method of imaging. If an MRI or x-ray is needed we will refer you to the right place.

We are all individuals and recovery time will depend on a number of factors: The diagnosis, length of time you have had the problem, your age, general level of health and fitness and how much effort you put into doing what you have been advised to! Your practitioner will always try and give you an estimation of how long your problem will take to treat before commencing treatment. Completing the recommended course of treatment is essential to secure long term benefits.

We are often asked “what are the similarities and differences between chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists?” For the potential patient it is often difficult to know who to go and see. There are subtle differences between each profession even though we may be perceived to treat similar conditions.

The similarities between each profession are:

• We are government regulated

• We are required to undertake continual professional development

• We treat musculoskeletal conditions – joints and muscles

• We aim to restore health through hands-on techniques rather than drugs and surgery

Some typical differences are:

• Examination by a chiropractor focuses on how problems with the nervous system affect joint movement and muscle restriction. This is why we adjust joints, to ensure not only proper joint movement but also the restoration of nerve signalling.

• Chiropractors adjust joints more than manipulate. Adjustments free joint restriction and reinstates proper nerve signalling to the brain. Manipulations, which physiotherapists and osteopaths tend to do more of, provide a gentler and more generalised stretch of the joint and surrounding muscles but have limited affects on the nervous system.

• Chiropractors are trained to take and read x-rays and view MRI scans.

• Chiropractic is the longest course, typically being a 5 year full-time undergraduate masters degree course (with content similar to that of a medical degree).