After your history has been taken the Chiropractor will give you a thorough physical examination, including any neurological or orthopaedic tests and any x-rays that may be needed. All X-ray machines and practitioners are compliant with IRME 2000 Regulations.

A Chiropractor's first concern is to find out what is wrong and also to check for signs of any serious conditions that may require treatment by a GP or referral for consultation at a hospital.

You may be asked to remove some of your clothing (it is helpful if you are able to attend the visit in comfortable clothes) and perform a series of simple movements. The Chiropractor will assess your condition by observing your range of movement and by gently feeling your spine, shoulders and muscles as you perform the movements.

Your Care Plan
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is acutely tender or inflamed. Treatment may include specific adjustments done by hand to release pressure and reduce irritation in the spinal nerves. In performing these adjustments the Chiropractor will apply carefully directed and controlled pressure to the area that is not functioning properly, to allow the body to begin healing itself.

The adjustment may take the form of a quick movement, a slow constant pressure, or a combination of the two. The extent of the treatment will depend on your condition: sometimes only one area may be adjusted and other times the spine may require adjustment in a number of areas. Your Chiropractor may also recommend ice, heat, traction or massage treatment amongst other things.

Chiropractic treatment will not hurt. Don't worry if your back or neck makes a 'popping' or 'clicking' sound, even very gentle manipulation can result in an audible 'crack' which is simply the sound of gas bubbles releasing in the fluid of the joints as the pressure is removed - this is perfectly normal. Its presence or intensity varies from person to person and is not indicative of effective treatment.

Chiropractors also support the treatment they offer with individual advice about the patient's lifestyle, work and exercise in order to help manage the condition and prevent a recurrence of the problem. You will most likely be asked to do exercises at home as part of your treatment plan. This is an important part of the program and should not be ignored.

The number of visits you may need will depend on the nature and severity of you condition, your goals, your responsiveness to the treatment and whether or not you follow your Chiropractor's advice.

Your Chiropractor will individually inform you of your options for care after your initial consultation and will design a programme of care in partnership with you which is commonly called "The Report of Findings Visit". This usually occurs in the days after your consultation and is often associated with a visit to inform you of what your options are and to give you the general information you need to make better choices commonly referred to as a "Health Report or Spinal Care Workshop". This visit may be in the form of a workshop and attended before starting care or just after.

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